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.

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ACOs increase screening mammography across the country

According to a new study published in the journal Radiology, participating in a Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) Accountable Care Organization (ACO) makes mammography screening entities more likely to increase access to mammograms to more women, though other benefits were less clear and possibly nonexistent. 

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Do image-rich radiology reports create value?

Referring physicians and radiologists both see significant value in the use of image-rich radiology reports (IRRRs), according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Is it time for imaging leaders to make such reports the new standard? 

ED providers lack knowledge about patient rad dose

Emergency department (ED) care providers at all levels may lack knowledge about ionizing radiation exposure, according to an Emory University study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. Providers struggled with ionizing versus non-ionizing modalities and discussing dose with patients, signifying an opportunity for radiologists to aid in closing these knowledge gaps. A questionnaire was sent out to a five-hospital system to assess ionizing radiation expertise among ED physicians, residents and mid-level providers such as nurse practitioners and physicians assistants.

Save money, patient dose by keeping radiologists in the loop

Radiologists should be consulted in the ordering process of chest CT exams, according to a study from Ankara Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Researchers performed a retrospective study on the value of chest CT in emergency department (ED) visits, aiming to establish instances of medical waste and unneeded radiation exposure.

Point-of-care reference material increases ED compliance with societal guidelines

In theory, compliance with societal guidelines should result in improved patient care and cost savings. But what if compliance is low? According to a new study published by the Journal of the American College of Radiology, one way to increase guideline compliance is providing specialists with point-of-care decision support reference materials.

3 key takeaways from David C. Kushner’s ACR presidential address

David C. Kushner, MD, served as the 2015-2016 president of the American College of Radiology, and his 2016 presidential address about patient- and family-centered care has now been published by the Journal of the American College of Radiology. 

Harvard Medical School launches Library of Evidence to help clinicians order imaging exams

Harvard Medical School (HMS) announced this week it is launching Library of Evidence, a free online resource that helps clinicians order appropriate imaging tests. 

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While peer-review systems lack efficiency, QA databases can have big impact

The peer-review systems radiologists use today take up too way too much time, according to a recent editorial published in Academic Radiology. Implementing an active quality assurance (QA) database, on the other hand, can be significantly beneficial for any radiology department. 

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