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.

Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence
The 55-year-old patient woke up experiencing chest pain one morning and an ambulance was called. He was dead just a few hours later. His family's lawsuit argued that delays in care, communication errors and other issues were directly responsible for his death.
How to score accreditation for a radiotherapy theranostics program
Wes Folds, a PET specialist with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, discusses a new nuclear offering from IAC.
Referrers want more structured radiology reports
Ordering physicians believe templated reporting more clearly communicates impressions regarding neuro patients, which often require more complex workups and management.
Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation
Researchers tracked patient outcomes through the use of 15 performance measures related to hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
American Heart Association program leads to substantial improvements in stroke care
Cardiologist Gregg Fonarow, MD, reviewed decades of data and discussed the long-term impact of the AHA's Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program.

Primary care POCUS on the Old Continent: Guidance needed, but at least 1 use case deemed ‘useful and feasible’

Two European studies illustrate opportunities and challenges presented by the growing appeal of point-of-care ultrasound to primary care practices.

LVAD patients spend nearly 1 in 4 days seeking care — is there a more effective way?

The study's authors noted that LVADs consistently lead to strong outcomes, but improvements are still needed to reduce the burden on patients.

Mammography AI intercepts density overestimations

Researchers have demonstrated a deep learning model that can correct course for breast radiologists who otherwise may have erroneously deemed tissue dense in screening exams.

Surgeon General warns of healthcare workforce burnout

A new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General included several recommendations for addressing burnout.

FDA posts guidance on managing risk of drug shortages

The Food & Drug Administration has drafted guidelines to help U.S. healthcare better prepare for and respond to events associated with these situations.

9 ways to lift clinician completion of radiologist recommendations

A multidisciplinary panel convened by the ACR has developed a set of quality measures aimed at boosting rates of appropriate follow-up care for patients with noncritical but actionable incidental findings.

Claims review may guide evidence-based approach to contrast-shortage mitigation

Iodinated contrast is most widely used in patients undergoing CT studies for, in descending order, abdominopelvic, chest, head/neck and brain indications.

10 clues suggest scope, shape of AI’s future in mammography

Computer-aided detection boosted by AI has often proven superior to traditional CAD over the past decade, yet the “new way” has been slow to win broad adoption.

Quality

Family of heart patient who died awarded $45M after suing health system for negligence

How to score accreditation for a radiotherapy theranostics program

Referrers want more structured radiology reports

Quality of care for heart patients does not improve in first year of ACO participation

American Heart Association program leads to substantial improvements in stroke care