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| Cross-Trained Radiologic Technologists: A Survey |
| Publication Date: July-August 2015 |
| Author(s): Lars Handago, MS, RT(R)(N) |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- Cross-training technologists would help increase department efficiency from a labor viewpoint, while also helping to increase the job stability and marketability of staff members.
- A survey of radiology managers was conducted to determine views on hiring preferences of radiologic technologists with a focus on multi-modality training.
- The current trend for hiring radiologic technologists sees an increase in demand for multi-modality and cross-trained employees. Employees who are content with their single modality training should be encouraged to cross-train and certify in an additional area. Radiology managers should also help to create opportunities and incentivize those who are currently interested in doing so.
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| Imaging Clinical Decision Support: The Time is Now |
| Publication Date: July-August 2015 |
| Author(s): V. Katherine Gray, PhD, PMP |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- Organizations need to be ready for the imaging workflow changes related to the legislative mandates of P.L. 113-93 (Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014). They also need to have a good understanding of what’s required to meet these mandates.
- There has been only one large scale study to determine the possible value of imaging CDS. Beginning in 2009, CMS initiated the Medicare Imaging Demonstration (MID) project—its subsequent evaluation is very instructive.
- The use of imaging CDS will be required for submitting claims to CMS as of January 1, 2017. This means a mechanism that the Secretary of HHS has approved must be used and the results from that imaging CDS must be included on the claim submitted by the imaging facility.
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| Implementing Protocols to Improve Patient Safety in the Medical Imaging Department |
| Publication Date: July-August 2015 |
| Author(s): Gwen Carrizales, MSRS, RT(R)(CT)(MR) and Kevin R. Clark, EdD, RT(R) |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- Patient safety is a focal point in healthcare because of recent changes issued by CMS. Hospital reimbursement rates have fallen, and these reimbursement rates are governed by CMS mandates regarding patient safety procedures. Reimbursement changes are reflected in the National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) administered annually by The Joint Commission.
- Medical imaging departments have multiple areas of patient safety concerns including effective handoff communication, proper patient identification, and safe medication/contrast administration.
- This literature review examines those areas of patient safety within the medical imaging department and reveals the need for continued protocol and policy changes to keep patients safe.
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| The Imaging Administrator’s Guide to XR-29 |
| Publication Date: July-August 2015 |
| Author(s): Kelly Firestine, RT(R)(CT)(M), CRA, CPCO |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
- It is important for an imaging administrator to know a few things about XR-29, the new radiation standard for CT: what the standard means, how to assess existing CT equipment for compliance, and what will be lost in the case of noncompliance.
- On January 1, 2016 Medicare will pay 5% less for diagnostic CT scans performed on non-compliant CT equipment. In 2017, this reduction will soar to a 15% reduction in reimbursement.
- Understanding what the XR-29 standard is and how to assess existing equipment will help protect the organization’s bottom line, but it will also help keep patient radiation exposure to the lowest practical levels.
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