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.

Why the sounds within a radiology department are so important

Despite hospitals’ attempts to calm patients with music, relaxing imagery and even virtual reality, research continues to support the fact that excess noise in the doctor’s office increases patients’ anxiety levels, worsening healthcare outcomes and degrading a provider's quality of care.

Modest radiation dose reduction leads to inferior CT detection of liver lesions

CT evaluation of colorectal liver metastases was less effective after reducing the radiation dose by more than 50 percent, according to new findings published in Radiology.

Cardiac CT analysis facilitates safe valve implantation in patients with CHD

CT analysis prior to percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) could help physicians detect which individuals are at the greatest risk for coronary artery compression (CC) during the procedure, according to research published ahead of print in the European Journal of Radiology.

What simulation models can teach us about treating ground-glass nodules

Healthcare providers should consider updating their follow-up interval for patients with ground-glass nodules (GGNs) detected on CT exams to three years, according to new research published in Radiology.

ACR unveils new QC manual focused on digital mammography, DBT

The 2018 American College of Radiology (ACR) Digital Mammography Quality Control Manual with Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is now available online, the ACR announced this week.

Humana, Kaiser have highest customer satisfaction ratings

Humana and Kaiser Permanente were the two health insurance providers with the highest customer satisfaction scores, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) Financial & Insurance Report 2018.

Mid-rotation feedback provides radiology trainees with timely evaluations

The advent of peer learning programs has “changed the game” with regards to radiologists providing feedback to their peers and colleagues. But what about feedback for radiology trainees?

Consumers rate urgent care higher than EDs in Yelp reviews

In a study of Yelp reviews of emergency departments (EDs) and urgent care centers, more consumers rated urgent care centers higher.

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