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.

insurance payer payment insurer

CMS proposes rule on prior authorization

Prior authorization, which requires healthcare providers to get approval from insurance providers before giving certain treatments to patients, has been long-hailed as extremely burdensome to physicians, even causing delays in patient care.

As FDA approaches decision on Alzheimer's drug, 2 deaths raise concerns

Japanese pharmaceutical company Eisai has denied that two deaths that have sparked concerns about a new Alzheimer's disease drug treatment are attributed to its trials.

CMS issues workplace violence memorandum for hospitals

CMS has fined hospitals in the past for failing to meet the standards of safe settings under the Medicare Hospital Conditions of Participation.

 

Majority of Americans report negative healthcare experiences

 Only 40% of Americans rate the quality of U.S. healthcare as “good” or “very good.”

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Can scatter correction software replace physical grids?

The clinical application of scatter correction software is limited by numerous factors, according to a new analysis.

Taking shape: New postgraduate degree program for technologists

A university in the Lone Star State is readying a master’s degree program that will prepare grad students to work as radiologic “techs” in all 50 states.

Whole body nuc-med imaging a solid contributor to inpatient infection management

PET/CT with the common radiotracer 18F-FDG has been found useful for workups and monitoring of infections in real-world hospitalized patients, according to a study conducted by researchers at Yale and Stanford published Nov. 14. 

Emergency referrers shown to care more about pursuing patient wellbeing than avoiding malpractice action

Contradicting prior research connecting heavy ordering of diagnostic exams with fear of malpractice charges—aka “defensive medicine”—a new survey shows ED referrers more focused on not harming patients than on not getting sued.