Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
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The aims of this study were to evaluate the factors contributing to errors in the treatment of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and to develop a grading system that allows for the comparison of errors. ⋯ A review of QC events occurring during the course of radiation treatments allowed a change in the process of care to prevent the occurrence of some QC events. The QC event rate experienced by the department compares favorably with published results from similar academic centers. The periodic review of QC events allows for the opportunity to identify processes that can be adapted to reduce the occurrence of QC events in the future.
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The aim of this study was to examine recent nationwide trends in the ownership or leasing of computed tomographic (CT) scanners in private offices by nonradiologist physicians. ⋯ The majority of Medicare private-office CT scans are done in facilities owned by radiologists. However, nonradiologist physicians are acquiring or leasing CT scanners in increasing numbers, and the growth trend is much more rapid among them than it is among radiologists (85% among radiologists from 2001 to 2006, compared with 263% among nonradiologists). As a result, nonradiologists' market share has increased considerably. At a time when both cost containment and reduction in radiation exposure are urgent priorities, the self-referral opportunities resulting from this trend should be of concern to payers and policymakers.