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.

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation
Researchers tracked patient outcomes through the use of 15 performance measures related to hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
American Heart Association program leads to substantial improvements in stroke care
Cardiologist Gregg Fonarow, MD, reviewed decades of data and discussed the long-term impact of the AHA's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program.
AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care
The initiative is designed to help identify more patients who may require aortic valve replacement. Brian Lindman, MD, provided an update on the project's efforts.
Imaging experts question validity of new CMS quality measure aimed at reducing CT radiation exposure
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine recently convened a panel of industry experts, devising a list of issues with the new quality metric.
Most stock photos fail to accurately portray the work of radiologists
Only about 9% of images examined presented a “realistic view of a radiologist’s job," according to new research out of Belgium.

5 strategies for reducing errors in diagnostic radiology

A new analysis published in Academic Radiology explored some of the many causes of error in diagnostic radiology and what could be done to prevent those issues moving forward.

DOJ to take on Sutter Health in False Claims Act lawsuit

The U.S. government has jumped into a False Claims Act lawsuit stemming from a whistleblower against Sutter Health, a healthcare services company based in California, and its affiliate Palo Alto Medical Foundation.

NIH revises funding to avoid studies with conflicts of interest

After coming under fire for funding research projects with clear conflicts of interest behind those conducting them, the National Institutes of Health has revised how it will fund future studies.

What does AI mean for doctor-patient relationships in radiology?

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to help radiologists demonstrate their value by establishing stronger emotional connections with patients, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

ACCC, Pfizer pledge more than $1.8M to QI projects focused on BRCA testing

The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) and Pfizer Global Medical Grants will award more than $1.8 million in funding to 15 quality improvement (QI) projects aimed at improving BRCA genetic testing for eligible breast cancer patients.

Share your stories: Breast radiologists can provide value through public speaking

One way breast radiologists can go above and beyond to help their communities is by speaking about breast cancer and breast cancer screening to audiences of women and their loved ones, according to a new analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

55% of hospitals earn payment bump through value-based purchasing

Just 55 percent of hospitals will earn a payment increase under the Medicare value-based purchasing program in 2019, according to CMS.

RSNA 2018: Researchers see value in mammography screening at age 30 for some women

Annual mammography screening beginning at age 30 may provide value to patients with dense breast tissue, a personal history of breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer, according to new research presented at RSNA 2018 in Chicago.

Quality

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation

American Heart Association program leads to substantial improvements in stroke care

AHA still working to find more patients with severe aortic stenosis who may require care

Imaging experts question validity of new CMS quality measure aimed at reducing CT radiation exposure

Most stock photos fail to accurately portray the work of radiologists