A new index that scores short-term effects on patient quality of life from diagnostic testing may be useful in shared-decision making among practitioners and could enhance patient-centered outcomes.

Two Houston-area diagnostic centers have agreed to pay hefty fines to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Calls to a reading room within one hour of a resident generating a preliminary report increased the odds of a significant error by 12 percent, according to a study published online Sept. 30 in Academic Radiology.

A report from the Austin American-Statesman seems to have caught the eye of Congress, as a U.S. House committee has announced an investigation into a brain research effort at the Department of Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence in Waco, according to the newspaper.

When it comes to encouraging appropriate utilization, radiology has come a long way. It’s been a focus in the field for years, appropriateness criteria have proliferated, and new tools, such as clinical decision support, aim to make the task much easier. That said, much more work remains.

A review of the appropriateness of outpatient abdominal and pelvic CT and MRI exams conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City found that most exams with relevant American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria were appropriate and were more likely to lead to a significant result.

This Nov. 8 will mark the third annual International Day of Radiology, a campaign that aims to help the public better understand the role of medical imaging in healthcare. This year, participating societies will focus on the theme of brain imaging.

In ancient Roman times, all roads led to Rome. From one monument in central Rome, all roads began and distances were measured. Today, the patient is at the center of care—with success measured in wellness, improved outcomes, reduced variability, increased quality and higher patient engagement and patient satisfaction scores.