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.

Diagnostic imaging radiology and the emergency room direction signs at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in the Chicago western suburbs.

Are large health systems delivering better outcomes?

"Small quality differentials combined with large price differentials suggests that health systems have not, on average, realized their potential for better care at equal or lower cost," Harvard researchers found. 

 

February 2, 2023
sad crying man

More than a feeling? Social isolation, loneliness linked to a higher heart failure risk

A new study published in JACC: Heart Failure offers more evidence that a patient's feelings can strongly influence their risk of poor cardiovascular health. 

February 2, 2023
Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) therapy to break up calcified coronary lesions will now be reimbursed at a higher rate under new in-hospital codes the went into effect Oct. 1. Illustration of the Shockwave lithoplasty procedure using sonic waves to bust calcium without trauma.

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. 

February 1, 2023

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.

February 1, 2023
women burnout

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.

January 30, 2023
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.

January 30, 2023
Danish researchers reported in Radiology that an artificial intelligence system was able to interpret more than 114,000 screening mammograms using a reading protocol with high sensitivity and specificity.

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.

January 30, 2023
 Drug-coated balloons were associated with a lower risk of bleeding after PCI than drug-eluting stents, the study's authors reported. 

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. 

January 30, 2023