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.

'Breakthrough' MRI contrast design could make GBCAs safer, more effective
Researchers are hopeful their new approach to developing MRI contrast will "pave the way for safer, smarter imaging in clinical diagnostics."
Which LLM is best for explaining radiology results?
With patients gaining access to imaging reports earlier than ever, it's critical they have access to large language models that can accurately summarize the results.
Mammography services suspended at 2 hospitals following ACR review
A news release indicates the suspensions are due to breast images not meeting the college's clinical quality standards.
Significant variability found in pediatric CT imaging interpretations
Such discordance between pediatric and general radiologists could result in care delays and treatment changes.
Medicare releases guidance on new model targeting ‘wasteful’ radiology procedures
CMS explains how IR specialists can submit prior authorization requests to the federal payment program for seniors, including what evidence is required.

Malpractice, emotional fears fuel radiologists’ hesitancy in using RadPeer

The clinical tool has facilitated 41 million reviews since its inception, but some doctors are still concerned about being punished for their mistakes, according to a new study.

CMS updates Hospital Compare, seeks quality measures feedback

CMS is undergoing a revamp of its Compare websites, which allow patients and users to compare healthcare providers based on quality measures. The agency recently updated its Hospital Compare website with new measurement data and the Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings.

Coronavirus deaths jump to 100

An infectious respiratory virus found in China is spreading and raising alarm bells across the world. More than 4,500 cases of the novel coronavirus have been identified in China, as well as five cases in the U.S.

Millions of unscheduled imaging exams may be slipping through the cracks each year

Researchers recently studied this phenomenon at one academic institution, and their findings could have widespread implications across radiology.

Coronavirus spreads from China to US

A new virus that presents with SARS-like symptoms has been discovered in China and already spread to at least two people in the United States, according to the CDC.

Deploying radiologists as ‘human clinical decision support’ to quash inappropriate imaging

Yale New Haven Hospital recently tested out this workflow change, adding a button in its EHR that allows physicians to suggest changes to CT or MRI requests.

Physician burnout has improved over the last 5 years

A lower percentage of physicians reported they were burned out in a recent survey compared to five years ago.

Maserati-driving doctor found guilty in $325M healthcare fraud scheme

The physician operated in South Texas and San Antonio, traveling across his various offices via his private jet and Maserati.

Quality

'Breakthrough' MRI contrast design could make GBCAs safer, more effective

Which LLM is best for explaining radiology results?

Mammography services suspended at 2 hospitals following ACR review

Significant variability found in pediatric CT imaging interpretations

Medicare releases guidance on new model targeting ‘wasteful’ radiology procedures