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.

Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence: The best path forward for high-quality care and better outcomes
The world is in the throes of an AFib pandemic, one that could potentially get worse in the years ahead due to population growth, economic hardships and rigid resource limitations. According to the Heart Rhythm Society, one way to effectively combat this issue is the development of more AFib Centers of Excellence.
Oversizing reduces PVL when implanting Medtronic’s newer self-expanding TAVR valves
Paravalvular leak has been shown to impact patient outcomes after TAVR. Higher degrees of valve oversizing, however, can reduce the risk of post-treatment PVL without increasing the odds of adverse outcomes.
Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence
The 55-year-old patient woke up experiencing chest pain one morning and an ambulance was called. He was dead just a few hours later. His family's lawsuit argued that delays in care, communication errors and other issues were directly responsible for his death.
How to score accreditation for a radiotherapy theranostics program
Wes Folds, a PET specialist with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, discusses a new nuclear offering from IAC.
Referrers want more structured radiology reports
Ordering physicians believe templated reporting more clearly communicates impressions regarding neuro patients, which often require more complex workups and management.

DBT, synthetic mammography an accurate pairing that can lower radiation dose

The combination of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and synthetic 2D mammography is as accurate as DBT and full-field digital mammography (FFDM), according to new findings published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. It also exposes the patient to much less radiation.

Training interventional radiologists improves patient access to stroke care

Training interventional radiologists how to perform endovascular thrombectomies is an effective way to improve patient care, according to research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.

New IR treatment helps patients suffering from ‘tennis elbow’ without surgery

A new noninvasive treatment can be used to treat the chronic condition commonly known as “tennis elbow,” according to research presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting.

Increased background parenchymal enhancement level a key biomarker for breast cancer risk

Increased background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) levels at breast MRI are associated with a greater risk of developing breast cancer within a year, according to new findings published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

DBT reduces harm to patients by lowering breast biopsy rates

Implementing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) leads to lower breast biopsy rates without having a negative impact on cancer detection, according to new findings published in Radiology.

Noninvasive imaging technique could lead to improved COPD treatment

A new noninvasive imaging technique can identify small abnormalities in the airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

FDG PET/CT imaging can monitor effectiveness of immunotherapy in melanoma patients

18F-FDG PET/CT imaging can help providers monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy with ipililmumab in metastatic melanoma patients, according to new findings published in the Journal of the Nuclear Medicine.

New training tool shows promise in improving radiologist performance

A training program being used in Australia and New Zealand has been shown to help radiologists and radiology trainees interpret mammograms, according to a new study published in Academic Radiology.

Quality

Atrial Fibrillation Centers of Excellence: The best path forward for high-quality care and better outcomes

Oversizing reduces PVL when implanting Medtronic’s newer self-expanding TAVR valves

Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence

How to score accreditation for a radiotherapy theranostics program

Referrers want more structured radiology reports