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.

Emergency head CT use has more than doubled over last decade
A new analysis suggests approximately 1 out of every 10 patients presenting to the ED will complete a head CT during their visit.
MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs
Data suggest most patients in need of contrast-enhanced MR imaging would prefer lower dose alternatives. Some are willing to go well out of their way to achieve that.
Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients
The positive findings come after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously shared concerns related to sterility assurance issues during the drug’s production.
Siemens Healthineers issues correction for MRI systems affected by recent Class 1 recall
On Aug. 28, Siemens alerted customers about safety issues with nine different scanners from its Magnetom series of MRI offerings.
New data highlight 'systemic inconsistencies' in documentation of contrast reactions
Although uncommon and typically not life-threatening, hypersensitivity reactions have increased in recent decades alongside the significant rise in CT use.

Data mining helps hospitals identify new patients in need of TAVR, other structural heart procedures

Sponsored by Medtronic

When the ACC and AHA collaborated on new valvular heart disease guidelines in 2020, the two groups highlighted the importance of interventional treatment options such as TAVR. However, an estimated one-third of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the U.S. still lack a guideline-recommended treatment plan.

Former CEO indicted for fake medical device implanted in patients

Laura Perryman, the former chief of Florida-based Stimwave, allegedly created a non-functioning “dummy device” that was used to treat patients suffering from chronic pain.

American College of Radiology, emergency docs release ‘landmark’ guidance on incidental findings

Published in JACR, the new white paper outlines four areas of consensus between the two specialties.

FDA announces recall of two more eye drop brands

Use of the contaminated eye drops could result in eye infections that could lead to blindness, the FDA said.

What new data tell us about TAVR in women with a history of early menopause

Researchers examined data from more than 700 TAVR patients, publishing their findings in the American Journal of Cardiology.

High costs limit the value of dapagliflozin, empagliflozin as heart failure treatments

SGLT2 inhibitors such as dapagliflozin and empagliflozin are associated with improved outcomes among many heart failure patients. The medications are not cost-effective, however, limiting their overall value. Read the full economic analysis to learn more.

Ulcerative colitis AI identifies activity vs. remission, predicts future flareups

Researchers across the pond have developed and externally validated an AI model that can predict flareups of ulcerative colitis.

New American College of Cardiology President B. Hadley Wilson shares his goals for the future

The veteran interventional cardiologist told Cardiovascular Business he sees potential in the ACC's ability to grow both nationally and internationally in the next year.

Quality

Emergency head CT use has more than doubled over last decade

MRI patients willing to commute farther for clinics that use low-dose GBCAs

Telix says new kidney cancer imaging agent alters treatment plans for 50% of patients

Siemens Healthineers issues correction for MRI systems affected by recent Class 1 recall

New data highlight 'systemic inconsistencies' in documentation of contrast reactions