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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Comprehensive heart teams are rewriting the rules of patient care

Multidisciplinary heart teams are growing more and more popular among hospitals and health systems all over the world. What started as a way to select TAVR patients has become something much more important. 

Headlines and ire follow serially sued, disciplined radiologist despite 700-mile move

The radiologist who received, in one patient’s view, a mere “slap on the wrist” for missing a couple dozen breast cancers over several years is back in the news.

A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare

TAVR and PAD: What cardiologists need to know

TAVR patients presenting with peripheral artery disease face significantly higher in-hospital risks, according to a new study published in Current Problems in Cardiology

Coming soon to a health system near you: ‘network radiology’

Radiology that facilitates the sharing of resources and touchpoints within an enterprise but across geographic locales is the future of the specialty, according to two Harvard radiology researchers.

Global Pharma Healthcare recalls eye drops over possible contamination

The drops were linked to 55 reports of adverse events, including eye infections, permanent loss of vision and one death with a bloodstream infection.

Are large health systems delivering better outcomes?

"Small quality differentials combined with large price differentials suggests that health systems have not, on average, realized their potential for better care at equal or lower cost," Harvard researchers found. 

 

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More than a feeling? Social isolation, loneliness linked to a higher heart failure risk

A new study published in JACC: Heart Failure offers more evidence that a patient's feelings can strongly influence their risk of poor cardiovascular health. 

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Coronary IVL now recommended at all cath labs, even those without surgical backup

The latest SCAI guidance on the safety of PCI procedures included a key change that could expand coronary IVL utilization throughout the United States.