This cutting-edge guide to value-based radiology provides readers with the latest information on all aspects of the subject. Healthcare delivery is experiencing a rapid transition towards a value-based model, the underlying idea being that providers are paid on the basis of patient’s health outcomes rather than the total services delivered. Radiology departments are facing many challenges as they attempt to improve operational efficiency, performance, and quality in order to keep pace with this transition. In the first part of this book, readers will find information on the theoretical basis and general concepts of value-based radiology. The second part focuses on value-based practice in specific areas of radiology: neuro/head and neck, thoracic, abdominopelvic, musculoskeletal, breast, cardiovascular, and pediatric. All topics are discussed by prominent experts in a clearly organized and well-illustrated form that will help readers to gain the most from each chapter. The book will be a valuable resource for radiologists and healthcare managers working in public or private institutions, as well as an excellent quick reference guide for all other physicians interested in the topic.

This book provides a roadmap for optimizing quality and safety within radiology practices, whether academic or private and irrespective of their national setting. All aspects of the radiology workflow are addressed, from imaging appropriateness, examination scheduling, and patient preparation through to imaging protocol optimization (including radiation dose management), modality operations, reporting (including structured reporting), and report communication. The book highlights innovative IT tools, including clinical decision support, that drive compliance with national best practice standards and guidelines. The use of big data tools to manage and enhance clinical delivery is addressed. Finally, metrics designed to measure the value that radiology brings to patient care and patient outcomes are introduced. Readers wishing to deepen their understanding of contemporary best practices regarding quality and safety will find this book to be a rich source of practical information.

Rely on this practical guide to the role of medical imaging in the diagnosis and treatment of common diseases and disorders. Follow its symptoms-based approach to learn when medical imaging is appropriate, what the ideal study may be for a specific clinical problem, how to interpret an official report on a radiologic study, what the possible appropriate next steps are, and how radiologic results may (or may not) alter clinical management of your patient. Case studies in each chapter present typical patients with accompanying radiologic reports. Actual images of superb clarity show you the potential of contemporary techniques. Master the basics of medical imaging in patient care, the physical principles underlying imaging modalities—including conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine scans—as well as common pitfalls.

Total Quality is a practical, proven approach to management that is successfully being applied throughout American industry-and more recently in health care organizations. Total Quality in Radiology: A Guide to Implementation is designed to be used by the neophyte or experienced quality improvement practitioner. Written by two authors with extensive experience in departmental leadership, problem solving, and improvement programs, this new book provides the reader with a step-by-step, practical approach for implementing total quality in a radiology department. The book covers all the principles of total quality and provides the basic tools necessary to begin and implement a detailed QI program. For the administrator, there are examples of actual radiology improvement projects that have been implemented in U.S. hospitals-including successes and setbacks. Lessons learned and pitfalls are openly discussed. For the radiologist, there is a fresh new look at quality from the "customer's" perspective-the patient and referring physician. Examples of programs "in operation" are provided as well as suggestions for other areas where radiology-initiated quality programs may have a positive impact on patient outcome. This book has something for those who want relief from crisis management and wish to maintain an abiding commitment to an improved health care workplace.

The first book-length treatment of the absolutely essential topic of U.S. health care reform for imaging specialists This latest volume in the Current Clinical Imaging series offers all professionals involved with imaging a cogent, concise discussion of major issues related to health care reform from the perspective of fellow imaging specialists. It provides radiologists with a solid footing in understanding where they are now and where they can expect to be in the evolution of health care reform over the next ten years. Presenting an excellent balance of clinical and health care policy issues, Health Care Reform in Radiology reinforces the central role of health promotion and preventive medicine in U.S. health care systems while offering an international perspective on the subject. Topical coverage includes evidence-based outcomes for health care delivery, the impact of the determination of imaging tests' effectiveness, patient safety, medicolegal reform, reimbursement issues, and universal healthcare benefits and challenges. Health Care Reform in Radiology presents a program to: Enhance patient safety and quality of care Anticipate new or revised standards for all imaging modalities Suggest the more appropriate use of imaging based on the latest clinical evidence Discuss the evolving regulations defining the training required to perform imaging procedures Encourage career-long learning (CME, maintenance of certification, etc.) Show fellow radiologists how to provide added value for patients and referring physicians Developed and written by two top experts in the field, this is an ideal book for all professionals involved with imaging as well as physician groups that depend on radiology.

Exploring the question as to why more than half the world continues to have little or no access to medical imaging and radiology, this important second edition, fully revised and expanded, offers not only answers but practical solutions, providing new tools, ideas, and strategies for bringing vital radiology to low-resource areas. Based on RAD-AID’s ten years of work (2008-2018) serving indigent communities around the world, the book’s interdisciplinary approach offers the synthesis of business management, government policy formulation, clinical methods, and engineering in order to integrate economic development, technology innovation, clinical model planning, educational strategies, and public health measures. The gold-standard title in the field, Radiology in Global Health, 2nd Edition is intended for a broad audience, including physicians (especially radiologists and radiology residents), radiology technologists, radiology nurses, sonographers, hardware/software engineers, policy-makers, business leaders, researchers, and public health specialists at all levels who use or implement health care services for underserved populations. In addition, as health care providers use radiology in the process of clinical decision-making, this title is also designed for clinical physicians, nurses, nurse-practitioners, physician assistants, and paramedical personnel. Administrators and public health personnel will also be interested, as the planning of radiology services for health care systems at both the facility level and at the population level requires a clear understanding of the technological challenges and management opportunities.

Evidence-Based Imaging is a user-friendly guide to the evidence-based science and merit defining the appropriate use of medical imaging in both adult and pediatric patients. Chapters are divided into major areas of medical imaging and cover the most prevalent diseases in developed countries, including the four major causes of mortality and morbidity: injury, coronary artery disease, cancer, and cerebrovascular disease. This book gives the reader a clinically-relevant overview of evidence-based imaging, with topics including epidemiology, patient selection, imaging strategies, test performance, cost-effectiveness, radiation safety and applicability. Each chapter is framed around important and provocative clinical questions relevant to the daily physician’s practice. Key points and summarized answers are highlighted so the busy clinician can quickly understand the most important evidence-based imaging data. A wealth of illustrations and summary tables reinforces the key evidence. This revised, softcover edition adds ten new chapters to the material from the original, hardcover edition, covering radiation risk in medical imaging, the economic and regulatory impact of evidence-based imaging in the new healthcare reform environment in the United States, and new topics on common disorders. By offering a clear understanding of the science behind the evidence, Evidence-Based Imaging fills a void for radiologists, family practitioners, pediatricians, surgeons, residents, and others with an interest in medical imaging and a desire to implement an evidence-based approach to optimize quality in patient care.

Value of Diagnostic Imaging: Information from Images addresses the concepts needed to answer questions on topics of value, such as how much to pay for diagnostic testing, how many tests are too many, do they cause harm, and whether or not patients need an MRI before a laboratory test. The book helps readers recognize when one diagnostic test is better than the other and when more information does not help. It provides an essential resource for radiologists, diagnostic pathologists, and health policy researchers involved in medical decision modeling, evidence-based medicine, precision medicine, public health and health economics. Interrelates economic evaluation and diagnostic imaging Instructs healthcare professionals and researchers on economic evaluation in diagnostic imaging Introduces economic evaluation to diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and researchers Serves as an essential resource for radiologists, diagnostic pathologists and health policy researchers involved in medical decision modeling, evidence-based medicine, precision medicine, public health and health economics

This book presents evidence-based criteria to systematically assess the appropriate use of medical imaging in the emergency department and other acute care settings. ​Over the last decade, there have been profound changes in the diagnostic testing and work-up of patients presenting to the emergency department with emergent symptoms. One of the most far-reaching changes has been the increased availability, speed, and accuracy of imaging due, in part, to technical improvements in imaging modalities such as CT, MR, and PET. Although the use of high-end imaging has plateaued in general, increased utilization continues in the ED. These patients are more acutely ill and there is additional pressure to make an accurate diagnosis as quickly as possible to facilitate prompt disposition or treatment. There is also strong evidence for the beneficial use of imaging in the emergency setting that results in improved patient outcomes. This book answers that need by providing protocols and guidelines for neuroradiological, cardiothoracic, abdominal and pelvic, musculoskeletal, and pediatric imaging are reviewed in terms of the available imaging modalities, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. Distinguished by its unique focus on evidence-based emergency imaging in adults, children, and special populations, this book is a unique resource for radiologists, emergency medicine physicians, and physicians in other specialties who need to be informed about the most appropriate uses of diagnostic imaging in the emergency care setting.