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.

radiation dose advanced imaging computed tomography

IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’

Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.

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American College of Radiology adds 6 new topics to its influential imaging appropriateness criteria

The update covers scenarios such as thoracic back pain (where imaging usually isn't appropriate) and penetrating torso trauma (which sometimes requires X-rays or CT). 

quality

Radiologists at a clear disadvantage in Medicare’s MIPS program, new study shows

In 2021, there were only nine available MIPS measures for diagnostic radiology versus 65 in family medicine, Neiman Health Policy Institute experts report. 

brain money alzheimer dementia

Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s

At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging. 

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Portion of patients undergoing CTA for headache or dizziness soars 67% while positivity rate plummets

That’s according to new research out of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, published in Internal and Emergency Medicine.  

equity

Certain patients face lower odds of undergoing an interventional radiology service, higher death risk

Black, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients are significantly less likely to undergo an IR procedure for acute, pulmonary embolism. 

breast cancer screening mammography

FDA highlights mammography issues at 3 radiology practices, posing ‘serious risk to human health’

The agency on March 5 issued separate alerts detailing quality challenges at imaging providers in Michigan, California and Texas. 

Cardiologist heart

Cardiac imaging use is skyrocketing, and radiologists are rising to the challenge

Over the course of a decade, the number of CT exams leapt 353% by 2022, while MRI climbed nearly 283%, researchers detailed Wednesday. 

Around the web

The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.

News of an incident is a stark reminder that healthcare workers and patients aren’t the only ones who need to be aware around MRI suites.

The ACR hopes these changes, including the addition of diagnostic performance feedback, will help reduce the number of patients with incidental nodules lost to follow-up each year.