Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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The content and prose method of radiology reporting has remained essentially unchanged for more than 100 years. By leveraging current technologies, the radiology report has the potential to be a multifunctional document providing information in a number of areas including business analytics, quality assurance and safety, regulatory reporting, research and billing. Maturation and adoption of speech recognition, the development of radiology controlled terminologies and standardized reporting templates now allow for the introduction of structured reporting into the clinical setting.
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Certificate of Need (CON) programs represent a patchwork of state regulatory programs across the United States that regulate the availability of selected health care services. Thirty-six states maintain laws designed to ensure access to health care services, maintain or improve quality, and control capital expenditures on health care services and facilities by limiting unnecessary health facility construction and checking the acquisition of major medical equipment. This article discusses the history of CON and explores controversies surrounding the current state of CON regulations.
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Strategic planning is becoming essential to neuroradiology as the health care environment continues to emphasize cost efficiency, teamwork and collaboration. A strategic plan begins with a mission statement and vision of where the neuroradiology division would like to be in the near future. Formalized strategic planning frameworks, such as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT), and the Balanced Scorecard frameworks, can help neuroradiology divisions determine their current position in the marketplace. Communication, delegation, and accountability in neuroradiology is essential in executing an effective strategic plan.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2012
ReviewThe resource-based relative value scale and neuroradiology: ASNR's history at the RUC.
The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) has been the defining algorithm for professional reimbursement of medical services since its introduction in 1992. This article reviews the history of the RBRVS, with an emphasis on the integral involvement of the radiology and neuroradiology communities. Appropriate reimbursement of radiology procedures has been chaperoned by physician volunteers and society staff attending Current Procedural Terminology Panel meetings and American Medical Association/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC) meetings. In recent years, governmental and RUC initiatives have created an unfavorable environment for neuroradiologists to maintain reimbursement levels seen previously.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Aug 2012
ReviewNational initiatives for measuring quality performance for the practicing neuroradiologist.
This article provides an overview of the national initiatives developed for monitoring and reporting quality performance measures. Included is a review of the Physician Quality Reporting System, the Hospital Outpatient Quality Data Reporting Program, and the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System, with specific emphasis on how these programs affect radiology practice. A practical review of these programs allows radiologists to gain further understanding of the economic and political influences on the daily practice of radiology today. The background and relevant features of each program are presented in this article.