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.

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

ACR updates influential imaging appropriateness criteria with 4 new topics

The additions pertain to liver function tests, heart disease, dialysis fistula malfunction, and head and neck cancer, the college said Tuesday.

Drugmakers condemn judge’s suspension of abortion pill access

The uncertainty the ruling creates could have a big impact on the pharmaceutical industry for years to come.

U.S. News & World Report children’s hospitals cardiology heart surgery

Best and worst states for children’s healthcare

WalletHub’s latest ranking underscores how the differences between states can impact children’s health.

Leadless pacemakers appear to be safe, effective in children with bradycardia

“Leadless pacemaker technology is the wave of the future,” one researcher said. “This is an excellent technology that may be offered to a wider pediatric population."

AI predicts the likelihood of a common TAVR complication

Many patients still require a permanent pacemaker following TAVR. In fact, it is more common after TAVR than after surgical aortic valve replacement.

Sunil Rao, MD, FSCAI, 2022-23 President of the Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), and director of interventional cardiology NYU Langone, explains efforts by SCAI to address the shift in interventional procedures from hospitals to less expensive ambulatory surgical centers (ASC).

Maintaining quality is key as more cardiac procedures migrate to outpatient ASCs

SCAI President Sunil Rao, MD, discussed the group's efforts to address the shift in interventional procedures from hospitals to less expensive ambulatory surgical centers.

Serious patient safety events up 19% in 2022

A new report from the Joint Commission has laid bare a dramatic increase in sentinel events, up 19% in 2022 compared to the previous year, with the majority happening in hospital settings.

ACURATE neo2 valve linked to successful commissural alignment during TAVR

The new Boston Scientific valve received CE mark approval in 2020, but has not been approved by the FDA.

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