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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Quality over quantity: 8 ways radiology practices can provide value-based care

Radiology’s shift from volume to value began a number of years ago. However, according to a new analysis published in Radiology, it can be challenging for imaging leaders to know how to successfully make that transition within their own practices.

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Researchers reduce radiation dose of CT-guided PCNB by 92%

Implementing an ultra-low-dose CT protocol during CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) can significantly reduce radiation dose while still producing an image quality that is clear enough for biopsy, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

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One Day, Alzheimer’s Will Give Up Its Secrets and Its Harms

It was yet another entry in a familiar medical-news narrative: A big breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease gets called into question by subsequent reporting. Only this time the off notes hit while the fanfare was still sounding.

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Radiofrequency ablation proves effective for local treatment of breast cancer tumors

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective treatment option or early stage breast cancer and outperforms lumpectomy in terms of obtaining tumor-free margins, according to a new study published in Radiology.

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Should patients undergo screening mammography after autologous breast reconstruction?

Screening mammography is a reasonable surveillance tool for breast cancer patients treated with mastectomy and breast reconstruction with autologous myocutaneous flaps (AMFs), according to new research published in Radiology. Mammography provides little additional value, however, if the patient had reconstruction after a prophylactic mastectomy.

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‘The final stage of residency’: Making the most out of breast imaging fellowships

Breast imaging fellowships might be suffering from a lack of structured curriculums and standardized requirements, but a group of Harvard Medical researchers wrote in the Journal of the American College of Radiology this month that a combination of organized rotations, regular feedback, structured learning activities and increased community participation could help homogenize programs across the country.

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35% of residents think 1st-year residents working longer shifts will lead to more mistakes

Thirty-five percent of residents think a policy change that allows first-year residents to work more hours could lead to more accidents and errors, according to a new survey published by Medscape.

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Female physicians push for better pregnancy, motherhood resources for women in radiology

As the proportion of women in radiology increases—however slowly—and healthcare’s quadruple aim attempts to prioritize physician well-being, a group of female doctors in Alabama is making a case for more adequate, comprehensive pregnancy and motherhood resources for young residents.

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.