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.

Most stock photos fail to accurately portray the work of radiologists
Only about 9% of images examined presented a “realistic view of a radiologist’s job," according to new research out of Belgium.
Efforts needed to improve interventional radiology awareness among specialists: Survey
The call to action comes from a poll of over 500 specialists at a single academic institution, published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Small practices, individual radiologists at a disadvantage in Medicare quality pay program
“Unfortunately, the imbalance in available MIPS radiology measures is worsening,” study co-author Lauren Nicola, MD, CEO of Triad Radiology Associates, said Wednesday.
ACR hopes new quality metric could boost lung cancer screening rates to 70%
The National Committee for Quality Assurance is taking public comment on the health plan quality metric until March 13.
Veterans with heart disease often receive better care through VA than they would elsewhere
Military veterans face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making it especially important to ensure they receive high-quality care.

Social media carried a lot of fake health news about cancer in 2019

Misinformation about cancer was the most viral type of sensationalized fake health news across social media platforms in 2019, according to an NBC News report.

The 4 most common reasons for imaging ‘callbacks’ in radiology

“Callbacks frustrate patients and erode trust between radiologists, patients, families and referring providers,” Michigan Medicine experts wrote.

95 hospitals ordered to install modern imaging technology, train staff

At least three institutions have also been banned from providing imaging services due to defective equipment.

Radiologist scores $300K grant to develop dual-imaging modality for ovarian cancer treatment

Radiologist Vikas Kundra, MD, is teaming up with UC Riverside bioengineer Bahman Anvari on the investigation, with plans to begin testing the imaging method on mice.

Hospital at home model cuts acute care costs 38%

Hospital-level care at home can reduce overall care costs, healthcare use and readmissions while still providing quality care and improving the patient experience, according to a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Leapfrog names the top hospitals of 2019

National watchdog organization The Leapfrog Group has announced its 2019 Top Hospitals awards, offering recognition to the highest quality hospitals in the nation.

New protocol helps breast cancer patients avoid unnecessary surgery

“This would be a major step toward improving quality of life for patients with breast cancer," said lead investigator Henry Kuerer, MD, PhD.

Vaping leads to respiratory disease risks

E-cigarette use is linked to a higher association with respiratory diseases, one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Quality

Most stock photos fail to accurately portray the work of radiologists

Efforts needed to improve interventional radiology awareness among specialists: Survey

Small practices, individual radiologists at a disadvantage in Medicare quality pay program

ACR hopes new quality metric could boost lung cancer screening rates to 70%

Veterans with heart disease often receive better care through VA than they would elsewhere