Value-based Radiology


Book Description

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.




Health Care Reform in Radiology


Book Description

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.




Quality and Safety in Imaging


Book Description

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.




Total Quality in Radiology


Book Description

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.




Evidence-Based Imaging


Book Description

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.







Practical Radiology


Book Description

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.




Value of Diagnostic Imaging


Book Description

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




Radiology in Global Health


Book Description

The World Health Organization stated that approximately two-thirds of the world’s population lacks adequate access to medical imaging. The scarcity of imaging services in developing regions contributes to a widening disparity of health care and limits global public health programs that require imaging. Radiology is an important component of many global health programs, including those that address tuberculosis, AIDS-related disease, trauma, occupational and environmental exposures, breast cancer screening, and maternal-infant health care. There is a growing need for medical imaging in global health efforts and humanitarian outreach, particularly as an increasing number of academic, government, and non-governmental organizations expand delivery of health care to disadvantaged people worldwide. To systematically deploy clinical imaging services to low-resource settings requires contributions from a variety of disciplines such as clinical radiology, epidemiology, public health, finance, radiation physics, information technology, engineering, and others. This book will review critical concepts for those interested in managing, establishing, or participating in a medical imaging program for resource-limited environments and diverse cross-cultural contexts undergoing imaging technology adaptation.




Radiology Fundamentals


Book Description

Radiology Fundamentals is a concise introduction to the dynamic field of radiology for medical students, non-radiology house staff, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, radiology assistants, and other allied health professionals. The goal of the book is to provide readers with general examples and brief discussions of basic radiographic principles and to serve as a curriculum guide, supplementing a radiology education and providing a solid foundation for further learning. Introductory chapters provide readers with the fundamental scientific concepts underlying the medical use of imaging modalities and technology, including ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine. The main scope of the book is to present concise chapters organized by anatomic region and radiology sub-specialty that highlight the radiologist’s role in diagnosing and treating common diseases, disorders, and conditions. Highly illustrated with images and diagrams, each chapter in Radiology Fundamentals begins with learning objectives to aid readers in recognizing important points and connecting the basic radiology concepts that run throughout the text. It is the editors’ hope that this valuable, up-to-date resource will foster and further stimulate self-directed radiology learning—the process at the heart of medical education.