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.

John Oliver doctor routine HBO Max

HBO’s John Oliver skewers state medical boards over ‘oopsies!’

"[S]ome states, including—until recently—Texas, even employ an honor-system approach, which relies on physicians to self-report. But guess what? The bad doctors tend not to do that, because they’re bad doctors."

March 14, 2024
Functional magnetic resonance imaging can offer providers insight into brain connectivity abnormalities and how they correlate with cognitive impairments observed in patients with insomnia. #insomnia #troublesleeping

Daylight saving time boosts malpractice severity, payouts

As most of the U.S. shifts to daylight saving time this week, a new study reveals that malpractice severity and payment decisions are higher in this part of the year than during standard time.

March 12, 2024
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Hospitals backslide on price transparency test

Pricing transparency report cards for 2024 are out, and the grades for U.S. hospitals have dipped for the first time since the federal government reset the standards in 2021.

March 5, 2024
With advances and increased experience in the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), same-day discharge (SDD) has become increasingly commonplace, but patient selection is key. Antithrombotic therapy may not be necessary for certain transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients, according to a new analysis published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions.

Implementing a same-day PCI discharge pathway boils down to correct patient selection

Safety is key to which individuals are selected for SDD, and there can be benefits to both patients and health systems as this becomes the predominant model of care in elective PCI.

February 20, 2024
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FDA issues first-ever clearance for OTC oximeter

Masimo's MightySat Medical is the first FDA-cleared pulse oximeter available to consumers without a prescription, which could disrupt the market for the notoriously inaccurate at-home devices.

February 15, 2024
The rate of radiology reading errors has not changed in 75 years, despite technology advances, explains Michael Bruno, MD, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, who outlines the reasons why.

Error rates in radiology have not changed in 75 years

Radiology report reading errors are as prevalent as ever. Michael Bruno, MD, of Penn State Hershey Medical Center says it's time for that to change.

February 13, 2024
oximeter health screening equity

Humana pilot study reveals ongoing healthcare discrimination among Medicare Advantage members

While only a feasibility exercise, the study strongly suggests additional patient screenings would help deepen understanding of literacy and discrimination issues.

February 12, 2024
Money dollar investments

How 4 E’s can reduce use of ineffective care

The proposed 4 E’s strategy is based on a hierarchy of effectiveness, suggesting that, while initial steps like education are crucial, they must be complemented by more robust measures to ensure durable change.

February 6, 2024

Around the web

More than 5,000 U.S. physicians joined forces to launch the new group. They say they are focused on limiting private equity's involvement and influence in healthcare. 

Just 10.5% of U.S. physicians said they view private equity ownership in healthcare in a positive light. 

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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