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.

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AI model slashes cerebral aneurysm interpretation times

Similar tools could have great utility in enhancing clinical workflows and improving the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms, which can be deadly if ruptured.

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Providing chatbots with guideline context significantly improves their imaging recs

With proper prompts and appropriate context, chatbots can play a valuable role in imaging referrals. 

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.

Around the web

HeartFocus guides users through the entire process, making it so that even novices can deliver high-quality echocardiograms every time.

Wes Folds, a PET specialist with the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, discusses a new nuclear offering from IAC. 

Currently there are no FDA cleared echocardiography contrast agents commercially available for use on the right side of the heart to detect shunts, but a new agent that promises to improve workflow and imaging is about to enter a U.S. trial.