Advanced Diagnostic Imaging in Privately Insured Patients: Recent Trends in Utilization and PaymentsMichal Horny, MSc, James F. Burgess Jr, PhD, Jedediah Horwitt, MPH, MBA, Alan B. Cohen, ScDThis study revealed that utilization of CT, MRI, and ultrasound – after a brief downturn in 2010 – rose again in 2011, highlighting concerns about future efforts to stem growth in imaging use and in spending associated with these modalities. Additionally, further research into the economic incentives engendered by changes in coding and payment policy is needed to help insurers and health policymakers devise insurance marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act that are effective and efficient.
Improving Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Radiology and Radiation Oncology Part 1: Why These MatterJohnson B. Lightfoote, MD, MBA, Julia R. Fielding, MD, Curtiland Deville, MD, Richard B. Gunderman, MD, PhD, Gail N. Morgan, MD, Pari V. Pandharipande, MD, MPH, Andre J. Duerinckx, MD, PhD, Raymond B. Wynn, MD, Katarzyna J. Macura, MD, PhDAcademic and organized medicine have adopted diversity as a core value, central to their missions of service. The ACR has taken a first such action step with the creation of the Commission for Women and General Diversity. Despite these efforts, the relative lack of diversity by sex, Hispanic ethnicity, and race in the radiology/radiation oncology (RRO) physician workforce has been documented and does not reflect the increasingly diverse U.S. population. This study highlights the business case for diversity, with examples of successful models and potential application to the health care industry in general and to RRO.
Determining the Rate of Change in Exposure to Ionizing Radiation From CT Scans: A Database Analysis From One HospitalMichael F. Rayo, PhD, Emily S. Patterson, PhD, Beth W. Liston, MD, PhD, Susan White, PhD, Nina Kowalczyk, PhDA recent database analysis revealed that the combination of reduced CT volume between 2008 and 2012 and dose reduction strategies implemented between 2010 and 2012 reduced the estimated risk for future CT-induced cancers by 63 percent. Investments in new protocols and technology enhancements were more effective than reduced CT volume in reducing patients’ effective radiation dose and associated future cancer risk.
The Advantages, Disadvantages, and Policies for Part-Time Radiologists: Report of the ACR Commission on Human ResourcesJay A. Harolds, MD, Beverly G. Coleman, MD, Michael P. Recht, MD, Edward I. Bluth, MDSurveys have shown that greater than 80 percent of academic medical centers employ part-time faculty members, most commonly in pediatrics, family medicine, and internal medicine. Major concerns exist among part-time physicians, such as perceptions of devaluation and questions regarding role clarity and professional development. In contrast, advantages can include coverage for unexpected increases in workflow and the ability for a full-time radiologist to go through a transition period to retirement. The authors explore several advantages, disadvantages, and background information regarding part-time radiologists.
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