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.

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 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.

PET scans ID biomarkers that could spare breast cancer patients from chemotherapy

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, have used PET scans to identify biomarkers that may help predict which breast cancer patients can avoid chemotherapy treatment.

Communication system improves follow-up recommendations for incidental pulmonary nodules

Implementing a closed-loop communication system can improve the quality of radiologists’ follow-up recommendations for incidental pulmonary nodules, according to new research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

DBT, synthetic mammography earn high marks in breast cancer screening trial

Implementing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) in a breast cancer screening program increases both sensitivity and specificity, according to new research published in Radiology. The authors also observed that synthetic mammography (SM) may be able to replace digital mammography (DM) in breast cancer screening, though more research is needed.

How lung cancer screening programs can reach more patients

Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) is an effective tool for reducing lung cancer mortality among high-risk individuals, yet utilization of such screening remains low. What can be done to remedy this situation?

Weekly watchdog: CVS employee stole $2.5M worth of test strips

Catch up on all things fraud and ethics around the healthcare industry with HealthExec’s weekly watchdog report.

DBT, availability of prior mammograms lead to fewer false-positive recalls

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) leads to fewer false-positive (FP) recalls than full-field digital mammography (FFDM), according to new findings published in Academic Radiology. The patient’s age and the availability of prior mammograms were also important factors.

Physicians provide better care when their bonuses are bigger

A bigger bonus size for physicians is associated with higher-value medicine, according to a recent study published in JAMA Open Network.

More men with low-risk prostate cancer choosing active surveillance

While many men with low-risk prostate cancer have been known to undergo immediate surgery or radiation treatment, a new study in JAMA found that more men are choosing active surveillance.

Quality

Emergency head CT use has more than doubled over last decade

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

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

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

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