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.

Streamlined protection suit offers compact method to minimize radiation exposure

A more compact, complex alternative to the traditional two-piece apron suit protects interventional radiologists from radiation exposure better than its predecessor, researchers wrote in the European Journal of Radiology this month. But the streamlined technology comes with a high price tag.

Simulated learning helps radiologists understand communication is key

Radiologists struggling to hone their communication skills might be helped by simulated learning and hands-on practice, according to a report published in Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology this month.

14% of NYC physicians are burned out—compared to a national average of 54%

Physicians employed at small, independent primary care practices (SIPs) in New York City report dramatically lower levels of burnout, according to new research published July 9 in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine.

RSNA lends a hand to radiology residents with patient-centered learning modules

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is helping out radiology program directors and residents alike with the release of a free curriculum centered around quality patient care, safety and communication, the organization announced this week.

Lack of sex-specific clinical research threatening quality radiology care

Gender is a poorly controlled—and often neglected—variable in radiology human subjects research, a group of Atlanta scientists report in the current edition of the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The resulting lack of sex-specific research could have a profound impact on quality of care.

How does CAD-enhanced synthetic mammography compare to FFDM?

Combining digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and standard 2D full-field digital mammography (FFDM) gives radiologists a powerful tool for detecting deadly breast lesions. A downside of this combination, however, is that it means exposing the patient to more radiation.

When screening with DBT, comparing results to prior mammograms reduces recall rates

When using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for screening mammography, radiologists can reduce recall rates by comparing their results with prior mammograms, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

51% of patients seeking second-opinion review from breast imaging specialists received big interpretation changes

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that breast imaging specialists provide significant value to patients when conducting second-opinion review of imaging studies, even before the patient is diagnosed with breast cancer.

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