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.

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Hospital pays $32.5M to family of baby who suffered brain damage during birth

The incident happened in 2018 when clinicians at Reading Hospital failed to recognize fetal distress and respond accordingly.

measles

Measles is on the march from airports to places near us

The U.S. eradicated measles in 2000. Today it’s making a comeback. What explains the unhappy revival?  

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American College of Radiology adds 6 new topics to its influential imaging appropriateness criteria

The update covers scenarios such as thoracic back pain (where imaging usually isn't appropriate) and penetrating torso trauma (which sometimes requires X-rays or CT). 

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Active surveillance of cancer won’t expose docs to malpractice

A new study from researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center should put minds at ease that the conservative management approach will not result in litigation when guidelines are followed.

quality

Radiologists at a clear disadvantage in Medicare’s MIPS program, new study shows

In 2021, there were only nine available MIPS measures for diagnostic radiology versus 65 in family medicine, Neiman Health Policy Institute experts report. 

brain money alzheimer dementia

Amyloid blood test could eliminate millions in spending on PET imaging for Alzheimer’s

At roughly $5,000 per positron emission tomography exam, experts estimate the U.S. healthcare system could save $9 million (or about $1,432 per patient) on imaging. 

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Portion of patients undergoing CTA for headache or dizziness soars 67% while positivity rate plummets

That’s according to new research out of the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute, published in Internal and Emergency Medicine.  

equity

Certain patients face lower odds of undergoing an interventional radiology service, higher death risk

Black, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander patients are significantly less likely to undergo an IR procedure for acute, pulmonary embolism.