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.

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.

Why are post-TAVR stroke rates higher at comprehensive stroke centers?

One of the more likely reasons is simple: specialty centers have better tools for identifying signs of stroke.

Burnout is causing clinicians to say goodbye to healthcare

The latest findings highlight the worsening crisis of burnout among U.S. clinicians, who have frequently cited the COVID-19 pandemic as a major impact.

Mahurkar Acute Dual Lumen High-Flow Hemodialysis Catheter

FDA announces recall of hemodialysis catheters due to risk of leaks, adverse outcomes

“The use of the defective catheter may cause serious adverse health outcomes, including bleeding or the need for surgical removal and replacement of the affected catheter,” according to an FDA advisory.

Age and workload affect reader performance for screening mammograms

Age, specialty training and reading volume give readers an edge over their peers when it comes to screening mammogram interpretations.

Interventional cardiologists can safely perform PCI without on-site surgical backup

The finding comes from a new expert consensus statement published by the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions. Several industry societies, including the ACC and AHA, have endorsed the document.

Updated COVID-19 booster protects against subvariants, new study confirms

The findings stem from a new CDC study comparing people who received the new booster and those who received between two to four doses of the original vaccine.

Cardiologists use video-based AI model to ID coronary artery disease

A team of specialists out of Cedars-Sinai developed the deep learning model using TTEs from nearly 3,000 patients.

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