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.

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40
In many cases, these additional findings prompt providers to adjust their surgical plans, new data suggest.
Cardiology groups share new recommendations for performing safe, effective cardiac ablations in ASCs
The timing of this new guidance from the Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology could not have been better—the document went live just as CMS finalized its decision to cover cardiac ablation procedures performed in ASCs.
Emergency head CT use has more than doubled over last decade
A new analysis suggests approximately 1 out of every 10 patients presenting to the ED will complete a head CT during their visit.
MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs
Data suggest most patients in need of contrast-enhanced MR imaging would prefer lower dose alternatives. Some are willing to go well out of their way to achieve that.
Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients
The positive findings come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously shared concerns related to sterility assurance issues during the drug’s production.

Pre-op MRI reveals additional malignant lesions in up to 25% of breast cancer patients under 40

In many cases, these additional findings prompt providers to adjust their surgical plans, new data suggest.

Cardiology groups share new recommendations for performing safe, effective cardiac ablations in ASCs

The timing of this new guidance from the Heart Rhythm Society and American College of Cardiology could not have been better—the document went live just as CMS finalized its decision to cover cardiac ablation procedures performed in ASCs.

Emergency head CT use has more than doubled over last decade

A new analysis suggests approximately 1 out of every 10 patients presenting to the ED will complete a head CT during their visit.

MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs

Data suggest most patients in need of contrast-enhanced MR imaging would prefer lower dose alternatives. Some are willing to go well out of their way to achieve that.

Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients

The positive findings come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously shared concerns related to sterility assurance issues during the drug’s production.

Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Viato.Mobile 1.5 Tesla MRI

Siemens Healthineers issues correction for MRI systems affected by recent Class 1 recall

On Aug. 28, Siemens alerted customers about safety issues with nine different scanners from its Magnetom series of MRI offerings.

New data highlight 'systemic inconsistencies' in documentation of contrast reactions

Although uncommon and typically not life-threatening, hypersensitivity reactions have increased in recent decades alongside the significant rise in CT use.

Some PET exams may be overutilized in oncology

In 2020 alone, there were more than 2 million 18F-FDG PET/CT scans conducted in the United States.