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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Inconsistent imaging: Radiologists letting personal preferences influence decision-making

There is significant variation from one radiologist to the next in suggesting follow-up head and neck imaging, Harvard experts detailed in AJR

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Breast cancer incidence rising among women under 50

This includes elevated diagnosis rates for non-Hispanic Black women in their 20s and 30s, before regular mammography screening starts. 

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Radiology experts develop tool for predicting whether patients will require advanced imaging

The Neiman Imaging Comorbidity Index was created using claims from over 10.5 million individuals covered by a large commercial payer.

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Radiologist to collect $4.6M jury verdict in whistleblower case against former practice

Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based Consulting Radiologists Ltd. allegedly terminated senior staffer Brent Bullis, MD, after he raised patient safety concerns. 

Radiology departments that serve racial minorities, low-income patients less likely to receive NIH funding

A total of 75 radiology departments received National Institutes of Health funding between 2017-2021, ranging from $195,000 to nearly $217.9 million. 

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Imaging not a major driver of healthcare costs, data from value-based commercial plan show

Radiology has been a common target in such efforts to reduce spending and prevent healthcare waste. But is such scrutiny warranted? 

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Common factors associated with delays in filling outpatient MRI orders

Female patients and those with public insurance plans were much more likely than others to witness delays of 10 days or more, according to new research.

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Errors in imaging orders occur occasionally. How 1 institution reduced them by 83%

This is an under-examined phenomenon, experts note, with common reasons including selecting the wrong modality, technique, anatomy or contrast. 

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.