AHRA 2018: Wednesday, July 25
Jump to: Sunday | Monday | Tuesday

7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
Exhibitor Symposium: Developments in Pediatric Imaging: Best Practices in Dose, Comfort, and Safety
Gregg R. Cretella, Steven Don, MD, Robert MacDougall, M.Sc

Generously Sponsored by Fujifilm Medical Systems

Recently published FDA guidance, coupled with the ongoing work of the Image Gently Alliance and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), continues to refine the safety and effectiveness of pediatric X-ray imaging. This session will update the audience on initiatives of the Image Gently Alliance, the American College of Radiology Dose Index Registry, introduce highlights of the FDA Guidance on X-ray imaging devices that are indicated for pediatric populations, and report on the progress of AAPM Task Group 252 (Methodology for the development of pediatric techniques for CR/DR). 

With the recent transition from Computed Radiography to Digital Radiography, this session will also examine current dose-monitoring and repeat/reject analysis tools, advances in DR technology, and the best pediatric imaging practices that can help achieve optimum image quality at the appropriate dose. New technologies that aim to reduce repeat imaging and customize x-ray technique based on patient size will also be introduced.

You will learn to:
• Evaluate the readiness of your radiology department to better serve the pediatric population.
• Make sound decisions when considering the acquisition of new technologies that are indicated for use with pediatric patients.
• Develop a strategy to use the appropriate dose for pediatric patients while optimizing diagnostic quality.
• Correlate the recent advances in exposure surveillance and DR technologies to the improvements in pediatric patient comfort, safety and imaging outcomes.

Domains: OM, AM, CI
CE Credits: 1


7:15 AM - 8:15 AM
Continental Breakfast


8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions

MRI for the Detection of Prostate Cancer
R. Daniel. Cinotto, MBA/CRA - Director of Facility Operations, FirstScan
This session is generously sponsored by FirstScan

The debate over the efficacy of MRI for the detection of prostate cancer is as healthy as the fight to change the standard of care in its favor. In the May/June 2017 Radiology Management feature, ‘MRI for Prostate Cancer Detection’, I detailed some of the trials and tribulations in specializing in such an exam. From MRI and coil technology, radiologist expertise, and technologist know how to Urologist’s acceptance (and reluctance) to what has been referred to as ‘progressive radiology’ and its cost burden on the patient, a lot has changed since that research was presented. Not only is MRI of the prostate being used for detection, but also for fusion biopsy guidance, treatment follow up, and active surveillance. The American Urological Association released their updated Guidelines on Prostate Cancer, that were detailed in my June 23, 2017 Link article, which has reshaped how the exam is being utilized. They detail the use of MRI in prostate cancer detection after an initial negative trans rectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy, which many in the Urology community deem backwards. Many cite financial reasoning for this decision. An initial TRUS biopsy can cost dramatically more than an MRI, and with a much lower sensitivity. Patients have choices, and with the increase in shared decision making, MRI of the prostate will only gain momentum moving forward. This discussion will provide a detailed overview of the current landscape in regards to acceptance, technological advances, and billing challenges to prepare you for increases in referrals of this exam.

You will learn to:
• Navigate the current prostate cancer landscape and disucss the benefits of prostate MRI.
• What it takes to provide a high quality prostate MRI exam.
• Code and Bill appropriately for the exam.
• Multiparametric MRI versus Biparametric MRI and its impact on cost, magnet time, and efficacy.

Domains: OM, FM
CE Credits: 1

Volume- to Value-Based Reimbursement: Impact on Hospitals and Radiology
Jordan Hermiller, MHA, CPHQ, RT(R)(QM) - Senior Radiology Advisor, Select Medical

The purpose of this course is to demonstrate the trend for healthcare reimbursement shifting from a volume-based to a value-based model. With financial gains no longer tied to each exam, strategies for financial viability focus on enhancing the value of our services while curtailing costs. After gaining a general understanding of this concept, the conversation will shift to organizational and, more specifically, radiology department strategies to succeed in this changing environment.

You will learn to:
• Discuss the impact of high healthcare costs on our country and the subsequent need for payment reform.
• Describe Value-Based Reimbursement as well as the specific payment models and programs aimed at reducing costs and increasing quality.
• Discuss the impact of Value-Based Reimbursement on hospitals and strategies to ensure success in the future.
• Discuss the impact of Value-Based Reimbursement on radiology and strategies to ensure success in the future.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

MITA's 2018 Advocacy Update
Patrick Hope - Executive Director, Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA)
This session is generously sponsored by Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA)

This session includes a legislative and regulatory update from the Medical and Technology Alliance (MITA) of particular interest to AHRA members. Topics will range from regulatory initiatives, standard development, cybersecurity, and 3rd party service. This presentation will primarily focus on areas of interest to AHRA members and opportunities for our two organizations to collaborate.

You will learn to:
• Have a better understanding of the issues medical imaging manufacturers are working on.
• Have a deeper understanding of particular regulatory/legislative issues relevant to AHRA members and how you can prepare your practice.
• Seek opportunities AHRA members and medical imaging manufacturers can work together.

Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1

Regional Standardization - A to Z
Lois Lee, RT(R), MR, CT, RCC - Northern California Regional Imaging Director, Kaiser Permanente - Northern California Region
Cheryl Kierce, BS - Assistant Regional Director, Kaiser Permanente - Northern California Region
This session is generously sponsored by Kaiser Permanente - Northern California Region

Kaiser Permanente Northern California Imaging focuses on operational excellence so that our patients experience is seamless . We work daily on how to create workflows that are timely and efficient for our members and providers. To get there it has taken years to streamline our workflows. We focused on standardization from a regional perspective to create and cascade to the teams, at each of our 23 hospitals! This consisted of analytics, standard policies and procedures, standard protocols for all modalities, standard appointment lengths and times, and lastly supply/demand metrics for capital equipment vetting. Telling the story of standardization A to Z.....

You will learn to:
• Gain operational efficiencies.
• Match supply and demand, using metrics.
• Utilize a multi-disciplinary team and approach to create standardization.

Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1

Inspiring Innovation
Todd Minnigh, BS - VP Global Service Sales, Carestream
This session is generously sponsored by Carestream Health

We are all inventors and innovators. Growing up, most of us have invented things in our imagination and find later that these things already exist. In organizations everywhere new ideas are constantly generated. Innovative people find ways to develop their 
ideas to make them useful to others. 
How do we build a passion in our people to create better ways to do things? 

There are 5 key elements to innovation:
1. Diversity – the cross pollination of concepts and ways of thinking. Taking an idea from one domain and adapt elsewhere. 
2. Fearlessness – Nobody wants to hear ‘that won’t work’ or be thought of as silly. It may take many trials to discover a new approach. 
3. Tenacity and persistence – to keep thinking about something, study it, visualize it.
4. Insight and study – to make a better way, understand the challenge and solutions on many levels. 
5. Passion – to believe you will find an answer.
In a way, finding solutions is in everyone’s job description. You or anyone on your team could learn to invent. The author of this talk has multiple patents in medical imaging - but never worked in engineering.
To inspire our team to create better ways to do our work, we have implemented an Innovation Award. We talk about innovation as often as most organizations talk about quality, productivity or cost savings. 
For my team this is not about inventing devices, it is about innovating better ways to serve others. Innovation is the essence of improving our human condition.

You will learn to:
• Apply 5 key aspects of developing new innovations.
• See driving Innovation as a key to success.
• Build a passion for innovative problem solving in yourself and in your team.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

From The Football Field to the Office
Mario Pistilli, CRA, MBA, CFHP - Director, Imaging Services, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

The presentation focuses on experiences that I gained through a career in coaching football that have translated to healthcare leadership. It gives concrete techniques and methods used to build a winning team. These lessons are told through stories, analogies, and imagery. We then focus on how to build yourself to become an effective leader that your team will want to follow. The conclusion, highlights what I feel is a vital element which is to be your authentic self. Through storytelling the listener will be challenged to self reflect on how they follow their heart as a leader.

You will learn to:
• Build successful teams.
• Build your own leadership skills.
• How to lead with your heart.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

Interactive Meetings
Derek Taylor, BS, CRA – Executive Director of Radiology, Memorial Hospital of South Bend

If your team stays extremely engaged for all your meetings or if you’ve got communication mastered then this course isn’t for you. Come learn about how employing an interactive trivia game in your meetings can achieve engagement and inject fun in your team meetings all while still communicating what you want to share with your team. 

The presentation will discuss a typical problem that many of us struggle with: boring meetings. I will walk the audience through the different learning styles and how incorporating this game can meet the needs of these different types of learners. I will also show the group how to sign up for and create a Kahoot. I will then share how I've used this tool in my own department. I intend to then take the group through an actual Kahoot game and give away a small prize to the winner. 

At the end, I'll ask the audience to get together as a group and share what they've done to make their meetings more effective or share what they've done to improve communication in their departments. This will provide a great opportunity for best practice sharing.

You will learn to:
• Learn how to make staff meetings more fun and engaging.
• Learn about different learning styles.
• Learn how to use Kahoot as a tool in your own department.

Domains: CI
CE Credits: 1


9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Beverage Break


10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions

The Time Has Come to Develop an Off-Campus, Value-Based Outpatient Strategy
J. Creighton Cook, MBA - Vice President, Business Development, Outpatient Imaging Affiliates
This session is generously sponsored by Outpatient Imaging Affiliates

Hospital outpatient radiology has long thrived on a captive referral base and high revenue per scan reimbursement. It has further prospered in a decade long environment that has decimated many competitors. However, as more market based forces, specifically value and consumerism, expand in healthcare, this historical success could be at risk. More agile, independent competitors have once again become a serious threat to the hospital outpatient radiology mindset. For hospitals to remain competitive, they must match the entrepreneurial enthusiasm of their competition and embrace this new reality.

You will learn to:
• Describe how the terms value and consumerism have become such an integral part of the healthcare landscape and how the outpatient radiology environment as arrived at a point where such words are driving patient behavior.
• Evaluate your hospital and competitive environment to determine if now is the right time to convert to a retail, value based strategy and if so, how to shepherd that process through your health system’s leadership.
• Build and expand upon your initial successes through competitive business strategies that will include competitive acquisitions and de novo centers in new markets. Your ultimate goal should be no less than complete outpatient radiology market domination.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

Update on Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Agents
William Faulkner, BS, RT(R)(MR)(CT), FSMRT, MRSO(MRSC) - Medical Imaging Consultant, William Faulkner & Associates, LLC
Kristan Harrington, MBA, RT(R)(MR), MRSO (MRSC™) - Consultant, William Faulkner & Associates
This session is generously sponsored by William Faulkner & Associates

Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast agents have been used in MRI for over a quarter of a century with over 300 million doses world-wide. Recent publications have drawn attention to small amounts of gadolinium being retained in various areas of the body. This presentation will provide an update on Gadolinium-Based MR Contrast Agents safety and in particular gadolinium retention.

You will learn to:
• Describe the major differences between the current FDA approved GBCAs.
• List ways in which GBCAs are used clinically.
• Describe the importance of chelate stability.
• Name types of acute and chronic adverse events related to the clinical use of GBCAs.
• Describe recent issues relating to Gadolinium retention.

Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 1

Ready or Not, Here They Come: Generation Z
GIna Greenwood, MBA, CRA, R.T.(R),(MR) FSMRT - Director, Radiology Services, UW Health
This session is generously sponsored by UW Health

We've been dealing with a multigenerational workforce for many years. However, it's the mix and compliment of each generation that continues to evolve and change the workplace dynamics. The most recent generation to enter the workforce is commonly referred to as Generation Z. Generation Z will be key in replenishing our workforce as we experience a steady exit of baby-boomers. 
To be the best leaders of Generation Z, we must understand Generation Z. What values do they hold important? What events have influenced them? What type of work environment do they prefer and what are their career goals? What attitudes and beliefs do they hold about other generations? Understanding Generation Z will assist with developing successful working relationships that are rewarding and mutually beneficial. This understanding will be integral to leading highly functioning teams that are able to take on and work through the challenges facing healthcare providers. 
In this session we'll review what we know about generations in the workforce, existing inter-generational relationships and delve into how the next generation will be different, diverse and impactful. Also included will be a discussion of strategies to help Generation Z be successful while leveraging their unique talents and contributions to build a stronger overall team.

You will learn to:
• Identify existing generations in the workplace.
• Identify generational characteristics of Generation Z.
• Identfy strategies to help Generation Z be successful in the workplace.

Domains: HR, CI
CE Credits: 1

The Positive Leader. It's Your Key to Success.
Scott Hazelbaker, CRA, MS - Director of Radiology, Providence Alaska Medical Center

It’s your choice! Why not choose to be a positive leader and create your own pathway to success. This presentation will explore how being a positive leader can dramatically increase the moral of your department by building trusting relationships. It’s difficult to be positive if you’re surrounded by awfullizers. I know that’s not a real word but we need a new way to describe all the negative forces that try to sabotage our success. Life is too short to mess with the awfullizers so we must confront them and start to build a trusting environment. Focus on compassionate care while creating a positive environment and you will discover the secret to leadership success.
The only way to move forward is by being a positive leader who understands how to increase moral, reduce turn-over, secure solid relationships with the physicians, staff and administrators and have Fun! A positive leader is someone who confronts negativity, eliminates fear and intimidation and understands their true purpose in life plus seeks to follow compassion priniciple. 

The presenter will discuss 5 key topics.
1. Being a Positive Leader. (Either you do it or you don’t)
2. How to fight the awfullizers. (Life is short. Have fun.)
3. Eliminate Fear and Intimidation. (It doesn't work!)
4. How to follow the compassion Principle. (I care)
5. Finding your true purpose. (Who am I)

You will learn to:
• Be a positive leader.
• Deal with negativity.
• Explain why fear and intimidation does not work.
• You will be able to define the compassion principle.
• You will refect on your purpose in life.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

Plans for CDS Implementation by a Large Multi-Practice Radiology Provider
Michael Mabry, MA - Director, Public Policy & Economic Analysis, RadNet, Inc.
This session is generously sponsored by RadNet, Inc.

Section 218(b) of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) of 2014 added the requirement that referring clinicians must consult a qualified clinical decision support mechanism (qCDSM) employing appropriate use criteria (AUC) when ordering advanced diagnostic imaging services (CT, MRI, nuclear medicine, and PET) for their Medicare patients. Rendering providers (radiologists, hospitals, imaging centers) must list AUC-consultation information on their Medicare claims for ADIS for payment processing. Implementation of the AUC-consultation requirement is set for January 1, 2020 with a voluntary test period starting in the summer of 2018. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has used the Medicare physician fee schedule (MPFS) rulemaking process since 2016 to promulgate the program. 

RadNet is a large multi-practice radiology provider with over 300 imaging centers and 700 radiologists in six states. As typical with most imaging centers, many of orders for studies RadNet receives are by fax or paper. RadNet’s experience with commercial prior-authorization programs suggests that referring clinicians may be ill-prepared for CDS implementation. RadNet’s implementation plan for CDS includes provider outreach, workflow modifications, and technology solutions. This plan, in whole or in part, may be helpful to other radiology rendering providers.

You will learn to:
• Know the status of Medicare regulations associated with the AUC program.
• Discover RadNet’s plans for implementing CDS.
• Develop strategies for implementing CDS in your hospital, practice, or imaging centers.

Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1

The Makings of a Radiology Quality Improvement Team
Jake Mickelsen, MBA - Quality Improvement Manager, Stanford University Medical Center
Allison Faust

Given the necessity to increase patient value, maintain clinical quality, and better manage costs, a growing number of institutions are considering creating more effective quality improvement teams to support department goals and strategies. So how should these teams be formed? What are the specific roles? What responsibilities are effective and appropriate? 

Quality improvement teams should be built to support a variety of tasks including: 
1. Creating a structure for accurate and timely safety reporting and resolution
2. Visualizing survey results, audit performance, and supporting readiness tools 
3. Fostering an environment where front line improvement work can occur
4. Serving as the liaison between hospital and departmental policy management
5. Providing clean and comprehensive operational and quality metrics 

Establishing a team that adequately supports these tasks can be challenge. For example, it’s often unclear how a quality team should be involved and it’s difficult to balance when they take a supporting role or an active role. Often the most difficult question is regarding showing the team's value. If you want a quality improvement team, how do you make a case for it?
Answers to these questions and a discussion of effective roles and responsibilities will be included in this session, supported by helpful examples and visual tools to assist in creating and managing an effective team.

You will learn to:
• Identify roles and responsibilities of a highly effective radiology quality improvement team.
• Define the value of a radiology quality improvement team and make a case for starting one.
• Create clean and comprehensive visualization tools for monitoring quality and performance measures.
• Create a structure for accurate and timely safety reporting and resolution.

Domains: OM, HR
CE Credits: 1

Improving the Patient Experience by Improving Your Processes
Lori Thies, RT(R), MBA, CRA - Radiology Director, Lee Memorial Hospital- Lee Health System

Improving the Patient Experience, by Improving Your Processes
“Could a Patient Navigator Solve Your Problems?”

This presentation will offer the ideas I have used to overcome the two main complaints heard from patients. The first is patients hate to wait and the second is they want someone to listen. I began to take a hard look at our current processes. On the surface, our processes appeared to be fine and the team seen no reason to make changes.

The truth was that day after day I would see patient waiting in our holding areas. I just hated that we were not getting them in and out quicker. After brainstorming with my team multiple times, the idea of a patient navigator topped my list for a solution but it was very clear not all agreed. This idea was met with a lot of push back. After a lot of work and planning the team created a patient navigator.

Everyone’s next question is; what is a navigator and how does it work? Our navigator meets and greets the patient as they enter the department. This gives her a chance to talk with the patients and address any questions or worries. The patients no longer stop in the holding area; they now go straight to the room. Once the exam is completed the transporter is waiting to return the patient to floor. I would love to tell you that everyone jumped on the idea and it was a great success right out of the gate but that was definitely not the case. This was a major project that involved the participation of multiple departments. It required the buy in from everyone or it just did not work. The presentation include tips for; selling the idea, budgeting for the expense, planning & executing the work flow, tracking and ideas to measure the success of the program. Not interested in a navigator program? These tips can be used to sell and roll out any project. 
For us, this has been very successful and I know our patients have appreciated not waiting. 

You will learn to:
• Ideas to improve Patient Experience.
• Ideas to improve patient work flow.
• Ideas to building create strong teamwork between multiple departments.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

A series of FORTUNATE Events: A Cardiothoracic Imaging Story
Angelic P. Bush, MSRS, CRA, RT(R)(CT)(MR), FAHRA, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston
Luba Frank, MD, UTMB

The healthcare industry is in a state of constant reinvention. As leaders of imaging operations designed to support such dramatic industry reinvention, it is our role to ensure we have a department infrastructure flexible enough to adapt to the its key stakeholder needs even if those stakeholders change dramatically. Cardiothoracic imaging is one such area of imaging management that leader key stakeholders span across several specialties. Finding common ground that starts at the desired outcomes key stakeholder (regardless of specialty) and being willing to reinvent, recreate or innovate operations around their process can create a more robust and sustainable operation that can more consistently meet those expectations.

You will learn to:
• Define quality of cardiac CT & MRI imaging and its diagnostic value in patient care.
• Identify productivity and cost per procedure challenges of running a program in a lab mixed with diagnostic procedures and cardiac imaging & ideas to compensate.
• Find reporting, coding and charge capture opportunities associated with cardiac imaging.

Domains: OM, FM
Credits: 1
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Exhibit Hall Open
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch Served


1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions

Pillars and Engagement – You Can’t Have One Without the Other!
Russell L. Cain, DBA, CRA, FAHRA MA, MS, RT - President/CEO, Azureseas Educational Enterprises, Intl.
This session is generously sponsored by HCT

We hear much about "engagement" of staff and patients. However, there is a clear correlation between staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and community satisfaction with the service provided by healthcare organizations. This presentation will explore the primary concepts and the relationship between these separate, but interdependent concepts. Further, the relationship between leadership approach and the successful achievement of both staff and patient satisfaction while establishing a positive image within the community.

You will learn to:
• Understand and discuss the effect of leadership style upon engagement of patients, staff, physicians, and community.
• Understand and discuss:the necessity of understanding the relationships and effects of engaging each of these groups on satisfactory engagement of the others.
• Effective people engagement for effective leadership to provide an effective and efficient organization or department.
• The effects of each group’s engagement on the other.
• Explore different approaches and gain insight into why some accepted approaches work in one culture, while failing in another.

Domains: HR, CI
CE Credits: 1

Will It Play in Peoria? Optimizing Protocols for Patient Size at UnityPoint
Olav Christianson, MS, DABR - Sr. Medical Physicist, Landauer
Tamara Ingle, AAS, RT (R) (CT) - CT QA Lead Technologist, UnityPoint Health Methodist|Proctor

Patient size is one of the largest factors in determining the radiation dose necessary to achieve diagnostic images, but it is often overlooked or misunderstood. The U.S. Preventive Service Task Force program for screening high risk individuals with low dose CTs was greeted enthusiastically a few years ago. However, the knowledge on how to scan high-risk Medicare beneficiaries properly is still confusing to many. For example, there are certain dose requirements to participate in the lung screening program. These requirements do not apply to all patients leading to uncertainty over whether your facility’s protocol meets the requirement. 

We will discuss how staff at 282-bed UnityPoint Health Methodist|Proctor in Peoria, IL, addressed this crucial patient issues. Tamara Ingle, RT (R) CT Quality Assurance Lead Technologist, worked with LANDAUER’s Clinical Dose Optimization physicists to take full advantage of tube current modulation on CT equipment. The project was intended to provide the assurance of meeting the lung screening program dose requirements.  Attendees will learn how the protocol optimization approach can be expanded beyond lung screening to optimize pediatric protocols. Image Gently® is a program to improve safe and effective imaging care of children worldwide. Image Gently has published guidelines on how to adapt adult protocols for pediatric patients, but these guidelines do not include how to use tube current modulation. We will discuss how UnityPoint adapted the recommendations from Image Gently to combine them with tube current modulation to achieve the optimal dose for every patient.

You will learn to:
• Understand the requirements for participating in the low dose lung screening program.
• Use scanner settings to create a lung cancer screening protocol optimized for patient size.
• Use scanner settings to create pediatric protocols optimized for patient size.

Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 1

Enhancing the Patient Experience With Real Time Feedback.
Nicole Hardin, R.T. BS,MS, (R)(M)(CIIP) - Radiology Director, Children's Hospital & MEdical Center Omaha, NE

Using a point of service survey gave families a direct voice and allowed them to give us feedback before they left our facility. 

From July 2015 to June 2017 
6,837 patient voices heard
2,289 positive remarks from families were shared
See how this feedback led to positive change, mindful behaviors, and increased employee satisfaction scores:
• Question: Front desk staff was warm and welcoming
13% improvement over last 12 mos.
• Satisfaction with wait time
14% improvement over last 12 mos.
• How long did you wait
Reduction in those who reported waiting more than 30 min.
• Informed of delays
24% improvement over last 11 mos.
• Technologist greetings
28% improvement since July 2015 
• Courtesy of tech
Strong – average score was above 90% most months
• Tech explained procedures
7% improvement over last 12 mos.
• Tech honored my preferences
17% improvement since PI project began
• Overall experience
4% improvement over last 12 mos.
See how we used this data and correlated it to the NRC Health Survey Feedback: 
Q2 mid-quarter check (July 14)
• Staff Explained Things 
X-ray 95.8%
• Staff Courtesy and Respect
CT 100%
MRI 100%
• Clerks/Receptionists Courtesy and Respect
100%

You will learn to:
• Evaluate how point of service survey feedback can be used to enhance the patient experience.
• Illustrate how using the feedback to make mindful changes in key messaging showed immediate results from the patient perspective.
• Analyze the point of service results in comparision to the NRC survey results.

Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1

Diabetic Retinal Imaging: A Quality Improvement Journey
Kim Hood, AAS, CRA, RT (R) (CT) - Radiology Manager, Carolinas Healthcare Associates
Marian Proctor, RN, MSHI, BSN, CCM - Manager of Care Coordination, Carolinas Healthcare Associates

Join us on a journey into Diabetic Retinal Imaging. A collaborative effort between Radiology, Ophthalmology and Primary Care in taking steps to prevent diabetes -related blindness through early detection, timely treatment and follow up care. On average, Carolina Healthcare Associate’s Primary Care diabetic population is approximately 4,900 patients. Within the first year of the diabetic imaging program over 1,194 retinal imaging exams were completed, and 51 diabetic patients were diagnosed with new or early eye disease. 

This presentation will detail the development of our retinal imaging program in the primary care setting and will include an overview of our imaging A3 proposal as well as a business plan for the project. We will share how the radiology team became involved with this project and discuss specific countermeasures, equipment purchasing and electronic medical record integration, that were put in place to make this project successful. Goals and lessons learned will be shared along with improved quality metric scores. We will review next steps for the project focusing on outreach, expansion and increased access to retinal imaging within the community. In conclusion, you may ask yourself, “Is collaboration how radiology transitions from volume to value?” 

You will learn to:
• Looking beyond the traditional scope of radiology.
• Define what collaborative success looks like.
• Measuring value through clinical outcomes.

Domains: OM, CI
CE Credits: 1

Lessons Learned From Real-World Enterprise Imaging Implementation
Siddharth Saha, MHM, BSc, Frost & Sullivan, London, UK

This session is generously sponsored by Novarad

Healthcare is in a constant state of progress; enterprise imaging is arguably the next step. In this session, presenters will examine the methods around taking that next step into the future of healthcare—in relation to the successful implementation of an enterprise imaging solution at Union Hospital of Dover, Ohio. This presentation will feature the experiences of David Baumgardner, CIO of Union Hospital. It will center on the use of enterprise imaging to create interoperability, increase security, and limit liability, and reduce the cost of healthcare when implementing an enterprise imaging solution. 

Enterprise Imaging is more than upgrading your imaging system to have the latest technology. It is a change in philosophy that acknowledges that more than images – that all types of clinical multi-media data and information can be used in unison to improve several areas of healthcare.  In this session, you will learn to perform an evaluation that can help your facility learn and understand the current state of your workflow gaps, inefficiencies and needs related to clinical multi-media being generated across the facility beyond radiology. We will review departments that are part of this undertaking, and cover lessons learned from working to implement a hospital-wide enterprise imaging system involving them. 
Topics covered will also include cost reduction, simplification of image management, and complying with HIPAA and HITECH guidelines. Additionally, this session will cover practical pitfalls of implementation, how to avoid them, and more.

You will learn to:
• Conduct an evaluation to help your facility learn and understand the current state of your workflow gaps, inefficiencies and needs related to clinical multi-media being generated across the facility beyond radiology.
• Determine what workflow model your facility needs from an Enterprise Imaging Solution.
• Prepare for common pitfalls and other difficulties during the process of Enterprise Imaging implementation.

Domains: PM
CE Credits: 1

Who Moved my X-Ray? Surviving and Thriving During a Hospital Merge
Kasi Rether, B.S., RT (R), M.S., CRA - Manager of Medical Imaging, OhioHealth

From small community hospitals to large hospital systems, merges are occurring everywhere. The presenter will use her real life experience from a merge to walk you through all the stages. When these changes occur, you must also be emotionally ready so that your reaction is one of adaption. The event should not be blamed for happening, rather understand what led to it so you can help to influence the final decision. Lastly, you will need to rebuild the trust amongst your associates and allow for a grieving process. Moving forward is necessary but recognizing their loss is equally important.

You will learn to:
• Understand Emotional Intelligence and use effectively.
• Position yourself for the best possible outcome.
• Be a meangingful part of the transition.

Domains: OM
CE Credits: 1

Colorful Communication
Charles Stanley, BS, RT(R)(CT)(MR), CIIP, MRSO, FSMRT - Senior Medical Science Liaison, Guerbet, LLC

Effective communication is the lifeblood of every relationship we have and a strong determination of our success or failure.
In fact, social scientists maintain that at least 80 percent of the conflicts or interpersonal difficulties we encounter stem from communication style (not substantive) differences. If we understand the styles of others, and use our own style more persuasively, we can achieve greater results and build better relationships in our personal and professional lives.
This presentation teaches us how to work productively and cooperatively with people who do not communicate in exactly the same way as we do.
The Presentation will consist of four parts: (1) Introduction to Communication Styles, (2) Communication Style Blends, (3) Communication Style Extremes, (4) Appreciating Style

 This innovative, fun and energizing presentation provides powerful and practical tools to:
-Understand and identify our style and the styles of others
-Realize how our styles affect others
-Appreciate the strengths and diversity of each style
-Adapt our style to achieve more of what we want from others

You will learn to:
• Have a better understanding of how communication can effect the productivity, quality, and consistency of daily workflow.
• Recognize, interpret, and understand the different styles of communication you may encounter in the workforce.
• Utilize the resources available to respond appropriately to different communication styles in order to be an effective team member.

Domains: CI, HR
CE Credits: 1


2:45 PM - 3:15 PM
Beverage Break


3:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Closing Business Session & Keynote
How to Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice
Todd Henry
Generously Sponsored by Fujifilm Medical Systems

Can you improve your odds of having great ideas when you need them most? Yes! While creative ideas can be elusive, with a few purposeful practices you can set yourself up to have great ideas, even under pressure. Learn the basics of life and work rhythm, and how to build an infrastructure that supports your personal and team creative process.

You will learn to:
• Spot the three assassins that rob people and teams of creative firepower.
• Build predictable rhythms and practices that unleash your best work.
• Use challenges and “the big 3” to gain focus for yourself and your team.
• Prune and manage your energy.
• Avoid the “efficiency trap”, and invest in long-term effectiveness.

Domains: HR
CE Credits: 1


7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
AHRA’S SUPER BASH