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.

Covera Health to vet prostate MRI providers for ‘Radiology Centers of Excellence’
The startup has partnered with employers such as Walmart, providers and health plans (including BCBS Michigan) to steer patients to top imaging centers.
Sterile, temperature-controlled preservation reduces long-term mortality after heart transplant by 54%
An advanced preservation system from Paragonix, a Getinge company, was linked to dramatic reductions in both mortality and procedural complications.
American College of Radiology updates imaging appropriateness criteria with 11 new topics
For the first time, the ACR Appropriateness Criteria is providing guidance covering staging and follow-up of leukemia, the college said Tuesday.
Enhancing STAT radiology exam order efficiency to reduce turnaround time
Raj Kedar, MD, chief of radiology at Tampa General Hospital, spoke on how to reduce the number of STAT imaging exams and inappropriate exams via staff education and additional questions of orders.
5 EHR-based strategies to reduce CT turnaround times
Simple practice changes have helped Denver Health cut the time from exam order placement to initiation by about 47%.

Millions of unscheduled imaging exams may be slipping through the cracks each year

Researchers recently studied this phenomenon at one academic institution, and their findings could have widespread implications across radiology.

Coronavirus spreads from China to US

A new virus that presents with SARS-like symptoms has been discovered in China and already spread to at least two people in the United States, according to the CDC.

Deploying radiologists as ‘human clinical decision support’ to quash inappropriate imaging

Yale New Haven Hospital recently tested out this workflow change, adding a button in its EHR that allows physicians to suggest changes to CT or MRI requests.

Physician burnout has improved over the last 5 years

A lower percentage of physicians reported they were burned out in a recent survey compared to five years ago.

Maserati-driving doctor found guilty in $325M healthcare fraud scheme

The physician operated in South Texas and San Antonio, traveling across his various offices via his private jet and Maserati.

Fast drug approvals based on weaker science

New drugs are being approved by the FDA at a faster clip, but the science behind them is weakening, according to a study published in JAMA. That means more drugs are available, but questions remain if they are effective.

American College of Radiology releases new imaging appropriateness criteria

The Jan. 13 update includes one new topic—child cerebrovascular disease—along with seven revisions.

Justice Department recovers $3B in false claims

The Department of Justice has recouped more than $3 billion in 2019 from settlements and judgements from false claims and fraud. Of these cases, $2.6 billion came from the healthcare industry.

Quality

Covera Health to vet prostate MRI providers for ‘Radiology Centers of Excellence’

Sterile, temperature-controlled preservation reduces long-term mortality after heart transplant by 54%

American College of Radiology updates imaging appropriateness criteria with 11 new topics

Enhancing STAT radiology exam order efficiency to reduce turnaround time

5 EHR-based strategies to reduce CT turnaround times