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.

Deep learning denoising produces quality trauma head CT images at 25% of the radiation dose

Denoising algorithm produces quality trauma head CTs at a fraction of the radiation dose

Radiation doses needed for quality head CT scans in trauma settings can be reduced by as much as 75% using DL-based denoising.

'Critical' oversight of 7 factors increases contrast waste

Since the onset of the iodinated contrast shortage in 2022, countless tactics have been deployed to optimize use of the imaging agent, but many have been overlooked.

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Simple automated protocol halves radiology workstations' energy consumption

Although much of the energy consumed by imaging departments is unavoidable, experts propose that small, seemingly insignificant changes can be an effective means of reducing radiology’s carbon footprint. 

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Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.” 

The imaging iodine contrast shortage is delaying procedures and causing rationing at hospitals. impact is it having on hospitals and the tough decisions that are being made to triage patients to determine if they will get a contrast CT scan or an interventional or surgical procedure requiring contrast. Photo by Dave Fornell

Higher radiation doses don't always improve CT image quality

Dose reduction protocols vary across scanners and organizations. This can create inconsistencies in both image quality and measuring patients’ total radiation exposure. 

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LG rolls out new monitors targeted at mammography reads

The new monitor, which was recently approved by the FDA, is intended to improve the process of reading breast MRIs, mammograms and DBT exams.

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Assistive robot could increase mammogram accessibility to more people with disabilities

The robot is expected to be operational and safety checked within the next three years.

breast cancer mammography screening mammogram scheduling

All mammograms from the last 2 years 'could be subject to an inaccurate interpretation,' hospital warns

Per an order from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the hospital has had to halt all mammography services.

Around the web

GE HealthCare designed the new-look Revolution Vibe CT scanner to help hospitals and health systems embrace CCTA and improve overall efficiency.

Clinicians have been using HeartSee to diagnose and treat coronary artery disease since the technology first debuted back in 2018. These latest updates, set to roll out to existing users, are designed to improve diagnostic performance and user access.

The cardiac technologies clinicians use for CVD evaluations have changed significantly in recent years, according to a new analysis of CMS data. While some modalities are on the rise, others are being utilized much less than ever before.