7:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Imaging Classic Golf Tournament (Separate Fee Required)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
CRA Exam Workshop (Separate Fee Required)
Breakfast and lunch provided
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop: The Power of Connections: Making Lasting Images (Separate Fee Required)
Jake Poore - President and Chief Experience Officer, Integrated Loyalty Systems, Inc.
Whether we realize it or not, patients today are consumers. Your clinical reputation may get them in the front door, but what gets them to come back? Connections. Building trust, clinical compliance, and long term relationships are built on one connection at a time? Any many times, it doesn’t take much time to make it. While random acts of kindness are good, the real key to improving patient experiences lies in your ability to empower employees to intentionally and consistently orchestrate peak moments, rather than leaving them to chance. The secret is to take random acts of kindness and hardwire them so those peak moments - those connections - become business as usual. Ultimately, we must apply the same rigor to service excellence as we do to clinical expertise and we do this through the power of connections. Go with Jake as he shares both the best practices and lessons learned that will arm and empower every member of your care team with the tools they need to intentionally orchestrate patient connections, improve the patient experience, and build loyalty.
You will learn to:
• Explore key pieces of a patient-driven cultural design and implementation model to align all team members (clinical, nonclinical) to achieve a clear set of success objectives.
• Understand the manager’s role in undertaking, leading and hardwiring an department-wide improvement effort, including the pitfalls to avoid.
• Take away a set of practical, easy-to-use tools that add value across the continuum of care and ensure a consistent focus on world-class patient experiences.
Domains: OM, HR, PM
CE Credits: 3
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Exhibitor Symposium: Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare
Tommaso Mansi PhD – Director of R&D , Siemens Healthineers
Generously Sponsored by SIEMENS
The presentation will describe state-of-the-art applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. It will highlight how AI drives efficiency and productivity, contributes to better outcomes that matter for patients, and increases the quality of care by expanding precision medicine. We will address scanner and instrument level technologies, workflows covering reading and guidance, and patient-centric clinical decision support, including advanced concepts such as the Digital Twin.
You will learn:
• About state-of-the-art applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
• How AI drives efficiency and productivity, contributes to better outcomes that matter for patients, and increases the quality of care by expanding precision medicine.
• About scanner and instrument level technologies, workflows covering reading and guidance, and patient-centric clinical decision support, including advanced concepts such as the Digital Twin.
Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 1
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Workshop: Executive Leadership Workshop (Separate Fee Required)
David J. Waldron, BSc, ACIB, CDipAF - Chief Executive Officer, Traction Business Development LLC
This is a three hour, interactive leadership development workshop. Facilitator will present multiple topics that participants will discussion in open session as well as in smaller breakout groups. Critical leadership topics that will be addressed will include:
• Situational leadership styles and when to adopt each style
• Emotional intelligence; serving the needs of individual team members
• Staff engagement and the patient experience.
• Imposter syndrome; self-awareness and effective use of body language
• Deliberately developing and managing your personal brand
• Interviewing and recruiting the right people
• Active listening and empathizing
• Handling difficult staff situations; managing, engaging or removing detractors
• Setting high expectations for a winning team, including SMART goals
• Motivation and coaching through effective and constructive feedback
• Developing your own ‘staff cycle’
• Moving away from the annual appraisal towards continuous feedback and rounding
• The power of enthusiasm, positive thinking and relishing your leadership job!
• Utilizing improvement plans and the disciplinary processes
• Becoming a ‘beacon of quality’ for your team, and others
• Leading successfully in the matrix
• Employing lean six sigma concepts to build teams and drive process improvement
You will learn to:
• Walk away with refreshed leadership skills and competencies to build an engaged and enthused team.
• Grow the confidence and courage for each leader to embrace and enjoy their role as advocates for the patient experience.
• Empower each participant to address and effectively resolve the leadership challenges confronting us all in radiology.
Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 3
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Implementing a Screening Breast Ultrasound Program
Terry Lynn. Bucknall, CRA, FAHRA, BA, RT(R)(M), FNCBC, CN-BI - Director, Women's Imaging Services, Sheila R. Veloz Breast Center/Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital
This session repeats on Monday at 4:15 pm
Breast Density is found to be a risk for women to develop breast cancer. In addition to Mammography, Breast Ultrasound has been effective in detecting cancers that are not seen on mammography.
All Breast Imaging departments have challenges implementing new technology and services. This presentation will discuss the need and challenges in adopting whole breast imaging as a screening tool.
Implementation challenges include, identifying the patient's density, patient awareness of her own density, physician communication and education, modality selection (pros and cons of hand-held ultrasound vs Automated systems), system selection, education and training of your team, patient scheduling, insurance reimbursements, and marketing the service.
You will learn to:
• Understand the purpose for implementing a Breast Ultrasound Screning service.
• Understand the tools used in gathering density and options for screening ultrasound.
• Understand the challenges of implementing a Screening Breast Ultrasound program.
Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1
Extraordinary Leadership: Creating a Culture of Trust and Compassion
Danna Beal, M.Ed. - Author and Speaker, Danna Beal Consulting LLC
Join Danna Beal, M,Ed., author of The Extraordinary Workplace: Replacing Fear with Trust and Compassion, as she illuminates the inner path of great leadership stemming from a foundation of love, respect and trust. Be a transformational leader who cuts through ego drama, ends power struggles, and, ultimately, reveals the barriers to a culture of trust and kindness. You will discover your own deepest authentic power by operating from Danna’s new model, “BE LOVE”, in which “who you are” is the basis of all your actions. When your actions are rooted in LOVE you ignite and release the power and energy of the people you lead. Learn to face your own inner fears, doubts and insecurities so that you lead with authentic confidence. Self-realization, the inner path to extraordinary leadership, is the cornerstone of Emotional Intelligence. Become the leader who resolves conflict, inspires cooperation and brings about an extraordinary culture.
You will learn to:
• Address and resolve conflicts created by egos in the workplace.
• Use a new model for leadership: "BE LOVE", which becomes the foundation of all your actions.
• Use the steps of self-actualization and Emotional Intelligence--the qualities that bring about harmony and cooperation.
Domains: HR
CE Credits: 1
Addressing No-Shows in Radiology: Identifying High-Risk Appointments
Rebecca Mieloszyk, PhD Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Radiology Solutions Scientist & Affiliate Faculty, Department of Radiology, Philips & University of Washington
This session is generously sponsored by Philips & University of Washington
Appointments for which patients “no-show,” or fail to attend without prior notice, represent a widespread problem in radiology. In this work, we share an in-depth look at no-show
appointments for more than 8 million radiology patient visits over a 15-year period in a multi-hospital setting. We describe quantitative modeling methods to both predict no-show
occurrence and highlight features that are informative in the prediction. In addition to procedure characteristics, patient demographic features are shown to be important predictors
of compliance.
Results will be presented from multi-site institutions and can be extended to private practice. Radiology patients demonstrate different predictors of no-show occurrence than patients in a primary care setting, due in part to the referral nature of radiology business. Our no-show predictive model performance exceeds that of general models developed for no-show prediction in internal medicine.
No-show prediction in radiology has the capability, through scheduling interventions and strategic patient engagement, to recapture revenue that would otherwise be lost to empty
appointment slots.
You will learn to:
• Discover the extent and implications of no-show appointments in radiology.
• Examine radiology no-show prediction modeling frameworks developed for multi-site institutions.
• Explore potential ways to reduce the impact of no-shows in your institution.
Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1
"Ultra" Sound Practices in Ergonomics-Keeping Your Team Safe
Cindy M. Winter, PhD, FAHRA, CRA, RDMS, RVT, RT(R) - Director of Medical Imaging Services, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Scott Best, RDMS, RVT - Ultrasound Manager, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Work related musculoskeletal disorders affect 90% of clinical sonographers in the workforce. Twenty percent of sonographers will suffer career-ending injuries due to WRMSD, costing employers over $120 billion annually. In 2017, the Industry Standards for the Prevention of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Sonography was released to address the crisis afflicting so many technologists. Selection of equipment, room design, and layout will be discussed to optimize best practices with minimal negative impact to sonographers and employers alike. Education and implementation of proper scanning practices, stretching exercises, and annual ergonomic training will be emphasized. Ultimately, the prevention of these injuries is a shared responsibility between employers and employees in keeping the entire team safe. Bottom line, bottom dollar, employee retention, quality service and increased patient satisfaction: your organization saves money with safe scanning practices.
You will learn to:
• Select equipment to address the ergonomic needs of the sonographer.
• Optimize the work environment and provide the necessary tools to prevent injuries in the workplace.
• Follow current best practices in safe scanning.
Domains: AM, OM
CE Credits: 1
How Army Medical Command Implemented Rapid Process Improvement Through A3 Thinking
John J. Beall, BSHS - Executive NCO, Deputy Commander Patient Support, Madigan Army Medical Center
Not every process improvement requires a complex Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt (BB) or Green Belt (GB) project. Sometimes a problem can be solved by a simple but strict approach that leads towards problem solving over structured approaches.
Over this session, the attendee will learn about the A3 problem-solving process which was first used by Toyota. You will also learn how A3 problem-solving fits into organizations that are on the journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO). We will discuss ""A3 Thinking"" and what the 7 Elements of A3 Thinking are. The presenter will demonstrate A3's link to Lean Six Sigma and Edward Deming's PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act). The presenter will show how Army Medicine has started using A3 to complement their process improvement program and created the Lean Leader Course. You will also be briefed on successful projects that have replication potential. Lastly, the attendee will break up into groups and receive scenarios and try to employ the A3 problem-solving that they just received.
You will learn to:
• Understand A3 thinking as a management system and methodology for problem solving
• Understand the goals of A3 thinking and identify how A3 thinking fits into Robust Process Improvement
• Apply A3 thinking to solve a scenario based problem as a group and brief them to the group
Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1
Laughing to Ease the Pain: The Role of Humor in Patient Comfort
David Jacobson, MSW, LCSW, CHP, Banner University Medical Center
This presentation discusses the role therapeutic humor plays in healing and coping with health issues and everyday stress. It reveals humor strategies that anyone can use to improve their health. This presentation begins with the presenter’s story of being in critical condition at age 22 and a diagnosis of rheumatic fever and severe arthritis and a humorous interaction that lead to a life transforming event. The physiological, psychological and social benefits of using therapeutic humor will be explained. Research on appropriate, healthy humor and inappropriate, unhealthy humor will also be discussed. The final part will discuss and apply humor strategies that anyone can learn to use either as patients or health care providers.
You will learn to:
• Gain an understanding of the role therapeutic humor can play in coping with illness.
• Explain the physiological, psychological and social benefits of using therapeutic humor.
• Discuss and apply humor strategies that can be utilized to enhance ones use of therapeutic humor.
Domains: CI, OM
Credits: 1
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Beverage Break
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Washington Update
Bill Finerfrock, BA - President, Capitol Associates, Inc.
Attendees will hear about the latest legislative and regulatory updates out of Washington. We will cover potential regulatory changes impacting imaging departments as well as legislative initiatives that could change the way imaging departments are paid by Medicare for services you provide. We will also discuss the changing nature of healthcare - mergers, acquisitions and technology changes and how these will effect healthcare in general and medical imaging in particular.
Attendees will hear about the latest legislative and regulatory updates out of Washington. We will cover potential regulatory changes impacting imaging departments as well as legislative initiatives that could change the way imaging departments are paid by Medicare for services you provide. We will also discuss the changing nature of healthcare - mergers, acquisitions and technology changes and how these will effect healthcare in general and medical imaging in particular.
You will have a better understanding about what CMS plans with regard to implementation of the Clinical Decision Support/Appropriate Use Criteria requirements and timing, what AHRA is doing to work with other imaging stakeholders seeking prepare for CDSM/AUC; be more informed about Congressional plans for the future of Medicare and how healthcare will be paid for; the latest trends and changes in healthcare nationally and how might this affect the future of medical imaging; have a better understanding of how Congress and the Trump Administration are (or are not) working together and what this means for progress on health legislation over the next 2 years.
You will learn to:
• Better understand what CMS and other stakeholder groups are doing to prepare for the mandatory use of Clinical Decision Support Mechanisms and Appropriate Use Criteria.
• Understand and appreciate what legsislative and regulatory changes are being considered by Congress and the Trump Administration that could impact imaging departments. Is site neutral payment policy here to stay? Will it be expanded? How might this impact
• How third party payers are rethinking what, when where and how much they will pay for imaging services? How might consolidation amongst healthcare providers and healthcare payers impact imaging departments - on campus and off-campus?.
Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1.5
The Swiss Army Knife Procedure Suite
Leslie Jebson, MHA, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE - Director, Lecturer, SIU Medicine
The Swiss Army Knife rose to popularity through its ingenuity and flexibility as a multi-tool resource for the military and ultimately the global consumer market. As healthcare cost and reform pressures increase; the conventional lines between medical and surgical procedures suites continues to blur. As a result, the next generation procedure suites will mirror that of the Swiss Army Knife. This engaging and interactive presentation addresses the key logistical, operational and financial components surrounding the design and implementation of multi-purpose suites.
You will learn to:
• Design and implement a high performance hybrid suite.
• Identify financial and operational opportunities and challenges with next generation hybrid suites.
• Review the key process steps and logistical considerations behind multi-purpose suite implementation.
Domains: OM, FM
CE Credits: 1.5
Mindful Leadership
Stacy Kesten, B.A. in Psychology and Communications, Certifed Mindfulness Facilitator - Transformational Leadership Consultant, Integreated Leadership Systems
The emotional intelligence of an organization’s leader can positively or negatively affect the company’s entire culture. While self-awareness has been shown to be one of the most important qualities a leader can possess, it is rarely taught in business school. Fortunately, the muscle of mindfulness, which strengthens emotional intelligence, can be learned, practiced, and developed by incorporating simple exercises into our everyday lives. In the context of the workplace, mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, prevent employee turnover, and reduce burn out. Mindful leaders are deeper listeners, less emotionally reactive, more empathetic, and have greater access to the parts of their brain that are responsible creativity, problem solving, and effective leadership. Informative as well as entertaining, this interactive presentation engages audience members with transformational mindfulness practices, teaching them valuable tools that they can easily incorporate into their everyday lives.
You will learn to:
• Understand the benefits of mindfulness practice both for the individual and for the organization.
• Learn simple and effective mindfulness practices, shown to reduce stress and emotional reactivity and how they can be easily incorporated into the participant’s everyday lives.
• Experience Mindful Listening and Speaking practices and learn new skills for effective communication.
Domains: HR
CE Credits: 1.5
Coding Tips & Traps
Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS - President, Coding Strategies, Inc.
This session is generously sponsored by Coding Strategies, Inc
This session will include an overview of radiology-specific coding risks including new technologies, appropriate utilization of new codes introduced in 2018 and other top radiology coding and compliance concerns. Potential audit concerns will also be discussed to identify potential opportunities for improvement in system operations. Sufficient time will be designated during the session to ensure that session participants have ample opportunity to have their coding questions and/or concerns addressed.
You will learn to:
• Understand current radiology procedure coding risks including unbundling, payor audit targets and confusing codes.
• Review procedure coding updates for 2018 as well as key areas of concern.
• Ensure your coding questions are addressed through an interactive Q&A portion of the session.
Domains: FM
CE Credits: 1.5
The Radiology Lawsuit--How to Avoid one; How to Survive One
TerriAnn Ryan, M.Ed, RT (R,M), CRT (R,F,M) - Radiology Coordinator, Mercyhealth
Eugene D. Frank, MA, RT (R), FAEIRS, FASRT - Associate Professor Emeritus, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
This session will present the experience of two expert witnesses from a variety of radiography lawsuits and arbitration hearings. The cases and outcomes presented have directly involved radiologic technologists, radiology managers and other health care professionals. The presenters will share perspectives of what radiographers, radiology managers or others may face in a courtroom having to tell a jury he or she fell below the standard practice of care. This presentation will not describe the law and the different categories. What it will describe are occurrences that result in patients being injured and filing suit against the radiographer, the department, the radiologist and administrators. Through an interactive format, the speakers will provide information that will remind all technologists and health care personnel that they can be held legally liable. Actual cases will be outlined and the audience will be the judge. Comparing administrators judgments with the real outcomes may help keep their departments lawsuit free and provide information for a beneficial in-service to will remind technologists to remain alert and think of the consequences of their actions.
You will learn to:
• Determine what constitutes a breech in standard of care.
• Identify the reasons administrators are held liable as well.
• Recognize the potential for a lawsuit while reviewing an incident occurence report.
• Understand how a "simple mistake" can become a lawsuit.
• Develop topics for in-services for the prevention of a lawsuit.
Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1.5
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Beverage Break
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Breakout Sessions
The Power of Team Engagement!
Josh Block, BA in Business Management/Marketing - President, Block Imaging
What would happen if people were?
- Deeply engaged
- Felt like they were a part of something meaningful
- Felt significance in their work
- Were out for everyone's success
In this session, we'll discuss unpack a leadership toolbox - diving into 5 key elements that transform individuals, relationships, teams and entire organizations.
Starting with why, focusing on team chemistry, carrying a curious posture, leading the whole person and renewing belief are 5 principles that can be utilized everyday. They really do change the game from the way we carry ourselves to the way we engage conversations. Leadership isn't for the faint of heart and yet is a privilege. Despite the challenges and the criticism tendered toward leaders...enjoying the leadership journey and impacting those in your care in significant ways CAN BE DONE!
You will learn to:
• Understand that being genuine and transparent are dynamic qualities in leading the next generation.
• The power of curiosity in reducing unhealthy conflict.
• How having a deeper "why" impacts the way we lead in the leadership arena.
Domains: HR
CE Credits: 1
Diagnostic Imaging Departments and EHRS - "If Only We Had Known..." Working Together to Build an Effective Tool
ROSLYN GRIZZARD, RVT RDMS - APPLICATIONS ANALYST lll, HOUSTON METHODIST
This session is generously sponsored by HOUSTON METHODIST
We now live in the age of the electronic health record (EHR). No matter what platform is used, the foundation for effective and accurate reporting, compliance, better productivity and enhanced patient satisfaction is the collaboration between the imaging department and the EHR project team. The term "garbage in, garbage out" has a negative connotation. A better and more relative relationship is "output is the sum of all input". This conversation will touch on what is important to share with the EHR project team as it assists in configuring applications and platforms for imaging departments and facilities.
You will learn to:
• Determine what information your department should provide to the EHR project team in developing the tools needed for optimal reporting, productivity, compliance, and employee-patient satisfaction.
• Be proactive in engaging and using physicians and frontline staff as resources.
• Partner with the EHR project team to create efficiencies for productivity, financial and quality goals.
• Develop a checklist to avoid "Go Live" disasters and Easter eggs.
Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 1
"That Was Easy" Clear, Concise and Consistent Path to Obtaining Patient Satisfaction
Kimberly Harrell, RT R MR CRA CMPE - Manager, Kaiser Permanente
Moving from a fee for service environment to a quality of care for reimbursement has been a journey. As care givers, it is expected we will provide good care, be courteous and smile, and perform a quality exam. There has always been a sense of ambiguity of what defines quality patient care. Each individual has their own understanding or perception. Today, as leaders, we are faced with the challenge of teaching and modeling defined behaviors for our teams to ensure patient satisfaction success. The next challenge for all of us will be moving from the satisfied patient model to an engaged patient experience. We own the behaviors of our teams, and it is our job is to train and coach what a great patient experience looks like, then measuring for success and reproducibility.
You will learn to:
• Knowledge on how to organize your teams and start with a goal.
• Identify your top two areas of opportunity and implement key initiatives.
• The importance of learning boards and visual tools.
• The importance of scripting.
• The importance of engaged staff and how you get them engaged.
Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1
Playing Second Fiddle: Leadership Lessons From the Middle
Jef Williams, MBA, PMP, CIIP - Managing Partner, Paragon Consulting Partners
This session is generously sponsored by Paragon Consulting Partners, LLC
Leadership isn't just for the first in command. Many of us are in in positions of leadership within our organizations. While we may not be "in charge", we ARE charged with the care taking of people, resources, and the organization. There is, perhaps, no more difficult position than leading from the middle. We must lead with care understanding there are forces both above and below us that require our constant care and attention. Jef will apply 20 years of organizational leadership lessons to share some of the critical characteristics in developing a culture of leadership when you're not the top dog. From his years at GE Healthcare to years working in consulting to his time spent in the trenches working with clients around the country - he has prepared a framework of principles and steps of action to create a leadership model that will earn the trust of peers and gain the attention of executives. This session will be interactive with small work groups and exercises.
You will learn to:
• Identify the characteristics of "2nd Fiddle" leadership and the unique qualities, strategies and differentiators that separate GREAT from GOOD middle leadership.
• Identify and implement key principles to lead through the storm of Politics.
• Navigate common landmines that undermine your leadership.
• Assess your current leadership strengths and weaknesses via work group interaction.
Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1
The Unmasking of Cancer in Dense Breasts: The Elephant in the Examining Room
Nancy M. Cappello, PhD, BS, MS, 6th Year - Director and Founder, Are You Dense, Inc. & Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc.
This session is generously sponsored by FujiFilm Medical Systems
Breast cancer screening by mammography reduces mortality from breast cancer, yet breast cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer death in women across the globe. Mammography has been a breast surveillance procedure for four decades with the publication of the first randomized controlled trial, Health Insurance Plan (HIP) in 1966, when Nancy Marcucci (now Cappello) was in junior high school. Her advanced stage breast cancer within weeks of a normal mammogram nearly forty years later, matched the conclusions of the first randomized controlled trial of mammography, which illustrated the limitations of mammography in glandular (dense) tissue.
This session will describe how a patient, after her advanced stage 3C diagnosis within weeks of her 11th normal mammogram, was compelled to change the standard protocol of disclosing dense breast tissue to the patient to prevent advanced disease and reduce mortality. Dr. Cappello will discuss the status of dense tissue notification across the U.S., with the first reporting law in her state of Connecticut in 2009. In addition, she will share patient-friendly resources and the current science of dense breast tissue and its causal risks and screening options. The challenge of under diagnosis and finding biologically relevant breast cancer will be discussed. Are You Dense Inc.'s Guide to Screening Options for Dense Breasts will be shared with participants. An opportunity for Q & A interactive session will be available.
You will learn to:
• Understand the shortcomings of mammography screening.
• Recognize the scientific importance of finding biologically relevant breast cancer.
• Describe the current science of screening options for women with dense breast tissue.
Domains: CI, OM
CE Credits: 1
5:45 PM - 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception for New Members and First-Time Attendees
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
President’s Reception