Value added

The rallying cry in radiology in recent years has been “value over volume,” and the message of boosting value in radiology was on display again this week at the annual meeting of AHRA in Washington, D.C.

Sessions at the conference dealt with issues such as streamlining workflow and designing facilities to avoid bottlenecks. Sites shared their strategies for peer review and technology tips. Another lecture focused on how to get involved in the American College of Radiology’s Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence.

The message was that there are so many ways for radiologists to add value and assert their role in the care continuum. Take dose reduction, for example. A presentation from Chris Tomlinson, MBA, administrative director of radiology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Shawn McKenzie, MPA, president and CEO of Ascendian Healthcare Consulting, laid out strategies for creating a radiation safety initiative. With such a focus on dose in the media, patients are definitely receptive to efforts to lower dose. In addition to providing better care, a strong radiation dose safety program can be a differentiator for providers.

The speaker during the keynote session on Tuesday summed up the situation in healthcare today. Mark Mayfield, former corporate lobbyist turned performer and speaker, gave the energetic talk and while he doesn’t have a background in healthcare, his presentation tapped into the idea that providers are going to need to do more to improve patient satisfaction in today’s environment. He urged attendees to get off autopilot and treat patients as individuals with unique needs.

“I want you to care a little more than you have,” he said, “because in the world of patient care, care is becoming more and more critical.”

-Evan Godt
Editor – Health Imaging