Quality

The focus of quality improvement in healthcare is to bolster performance and processes related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Leaders in this space also ensure the proper selection of imaging exams and procedures, and monitor the safety of services, among other duties. Reimbursement programs such as the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) utilize financial incentives to improve quality. This also includes setting and maintaining care quality initiatives, such as the requirements set by the Joint Commission.

4 strategies to improve radiologist reports

Four simple strategies can improve the value of radiologist reports, according to an article published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. 

Could a treatment for one type of brain disease be an effective approach for others?

Data suggests that various forms of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases share some of the same underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease, and a group of researchers are committed to studying in treatment for one type of brain disease could possibly be effective in treating others. 

MS researchers pulling double duty

A team of British researchers have discovered an imaging correlation for cognitive decline in young multiple sclerosis (MS) patients—and developed a large-scale workflow for MS imaging on the side, according to an article published in NeuroImage: Clinical.

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Low-cost devices make telemedicine more feasible

Several forms of low-cost tele-mammography readers showed high inter-device agreement on BI-RADS assessment categories in an article published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The study suggests that the use of these less-expensive devices can be used to bring mammography to underserved or remote populations.

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Small gestures in pediatric oncology can have a big impact

A little bit goes a long way, especially when concerning children suffering from chronic disease. 

Advantages to adopting a flexible protocol document

When MD Anderson Cancer Center expanded breast imaging services from its downtown campus to 15 sites in the greater Houston area, the open and collaborative nature of the breast screening protocol document allowed swift and democratic changes.

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Breast cancer patients spend more time at imaging appointments

Patients fighting breast cancer already face taxing physical and emotional obstacles—but a recent study found they are also facing an increase in the number of imaging appointments.

Delta Air Lines to mobilize mammography screenings nationwide

Delta Air Lines has chosen Strategic Radiology to provide mobile mammography screenings for its employees nationwide to increase ease and accessibility.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.