DI Executive

In a new study comparing 2017 and 2019 Medicare claims submission data, researchers noted a 40 percent increase in evaluation and management (E&M) services, and a 74 percent increase in imaging services performed by radiology-employed nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

While the status of incentives, such as yearly bonuses or partnership track aspirations, can be a tricky conversation, ignoring it can be the tipping point for a radiologist’s exit to another practice.

Catch up on the top radiology news of the past week.

Ambient speech capabilities in emerging voice recognition products and software updates may convert the clinical context of conversational speech into structured data for radiology reports.

Forty-eight percent of Asian women, 43.3 percent of Black women and 42.8 percent of Hispanic women did not have a biopsy 30 days after abnormal findings on mammography, according to newly published research.

Recognizing the significant potential for workplace injuries in the radiology field, these authors discuss the proactive benefits of optimal positioning and disruptions of static posture as well as a heightened management awareness of ergonomic solutions and potential issues in maneuvering mobile imaging units.

As the iodinated contrast media shortage continues to have a significant adverse effect on radiology, these authors assess the pros and cons of emerging strategies and imaging alternatives.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

The resumed production of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque products is a welcome development for radiologists scrambling to come up with alternative dosing and imaging options in the past month during the temporary shortage of iodinated contrast media.

In addition to individual measures for reducing burnout risk, there are steps leaders in radiology can take to make burnout prevention a driving force in various aspects of their practice,

In a recent video interview, two radiology professors from the Yale School of Medicine discussed the impact of the iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage and potential strategies, ranging from ICM dose reduction to possible deferment of non-urgent imaging, that may provide a viable path moving forward.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In addition to addressing workplace stressors, leaders in radiology should have an increased awareness of other key drivers of burnout, including inclusivity issues and challenges for radiologists who are managing their own health conditions.

Given the challenges with the shortage of the iodinated contrast agent Omnipaque, national and state organizations have issued suggested risk mitigation and conservation strategies to reprioritize imaging needs during this temporary shortage.

While some have raised questions and concerns about a possible loss of autonomy with the increasing presence of private equity in radiology, this author says potential benefits of such an alliance, including access to new technologies, career development and a strong patient focus, go beyond the expected economies of scale.

Proactive cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against the increasing threat of cyberattacks that can erode patient confidence, completely disrupt health-care practices, and potentially cost over a million dollars in network costs, downtime, and lost revenue.

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While there can be an array of challenges in outsourcing night coverage to teleradiology service providers, due diligence with contract terms can help mitigate costs and increase flexibility if radiology practices decide to switch teleradiology providers down the line.

In a retrospective study involving mammography screening in over 114,000 women, researchers found that an artificial intelligence model had comparable specificity and sensitivity to radiologist screenings, reduced false positive results by 25 percent and reduced radiologist workload by more than 62 percent.

Are frivolous time-wasting tasks eating away at the core of what you think your job should be?

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Emerging literature suggests a seemingly insurmountable wave of physician burnout in radiology. While the recently enacted Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act offers the promise of increased awareness, education, and funding to help prevent burnout, an increased commitment and flexibility from institutional leadership may also be key to erasing stigmas and driving meaningful change.

The enhanced immediacy, peer-to-peer interaction and networking capabilities of social media platforms, particularly newer vehicles such as Instagram and TikTok, may help reinvent educational models in radiology.

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Taking stock of one’s leadership style, strengths and weaknesses can pay dividends in managing a busy radiology department or practice.

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Artificial intelligence and other emerging technological advances may transform health-care certification, potentially improving access to best practice standards, increasing provider engagement, and bolstering collaboration.

Review top radiology content from the week.