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.

Ultrasound after negative CT scan offers little benefit in emergency gynecological care
“Clinicians should carefully weigh the additional resource utilization against the potential benefit," Yale University emergency medicine experts write in JACR.
Radiologists uncover widespread variation in IVC filter removal rates, with deadly consequences
About 30% of patients die within 90 days of implanting an inferior vena cava filter, yet a median of only about 6% are removed within this time span, experts write in JACR.
Efforts to curtail unnecessary back-pain imaging coming up short
Despite concerted attempts to reduce low-value imaging, the rate of individuals receiving radiographs stayed static between 2016 and 2022.
Average malpractice insurance payout for diagnostic errors in physician offices: $661,000
Cancer is by far the most commonly overlooked diagnosis at 45%, followed by infections (14%), vascular issues (7%) and cardiac concerns, according to new research.
CMS responds to criticism of pay model targeting ‘wasteful and inappropriate’ radiology services
The agency recently issued a frequently asked questions fact sheet about the WISeR model days after House Democrats expressed concern about the initiative.

How sample sizes versus scan times affect data quality and radiology research overhead costs

New findings have the potential to significantly benefit the field of neuroscience and could help guide researchers in designing more cost-effective, fruitful studies of the brain.

quality improvement QI artificial intelligence AI healthcare

AI and QI—a partnership made for healthcare

Within healthcare, artificial intelligence and quality improvement have some things in common.

To excel in today’s market, radiology groups must adopt ‘360-degree approach’ to gathering feedback

“Leaders in radiology must prioritize embedding a culture of feedback within their institutions, recognizing its crucial role in continuous improvement," experts charge.

Software glitch triggers FDA recall of nearly 2,000 GE SPECT and CT systems

According to the notification, the issue can cause the scanners to inadvertently move during imaging.

Health system spends nearly $7M on AI to boost prostate MRI performance

About 50% of cases are diagnosed early when treatment is most effective, with the hospital system hoping to reach 75% by 2028.

Shared decision-making visits significantly boost CT lung cancer screening adherence

SDM "is more than just a billing requirement—it’s a valuable opportunity to engage patients," says radiologist Farouk Dako, MD, MPH.

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Medicare cost-cutting initiative targets ‘wasteful, inappropriate’ interventional radiology services

IRs criticized the CMS proposal, believing it could lead to excess morbidity and mortality in Medicare.

cybersecurity lock hack hacker cyber technology money credit card

Radiology group cyberattack exposes private info of over 150,000 patients

The information exposed during the attack included names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers and service charges.

Quality

Ultrasound after negative CT scan offers little benefit in emergency gynecological care

Radiologists uncover widespread variation in IVC filter removal rates, with deadly consequences

Efforts to curtail unnecessary back-pain imaging coming up short

Average malpractice insurance payout for diagnostic errors in physician offices: $661,000

CMS responds to criticism of pay model targeting ‘wasteful and inappropriate’ radiology services