Hospital-Level Factors Associated With Use of Pediatric Radiation Dose-Reduction Protocols for Head CT
And More in the July Issue of JACR
Source Newsroom: American College of Radiology (ACR)
Hospital-Level Factors Associated With Use of Pediatric Radiation Dose-Reduction Protocols for Head CT: Results From a National Survey
Janessa M. Graves, PhD, MPH, Kalpana M. Kanal, PhD, Monica S. Vavilala, MD, Kimberly E. Applegate, MD, MS, Jeffrey G. Jarvik, MD, MPH, Frederick P. Rivara, MD, MPH
National efforts to minimize radiation exposure in children, such as the Image Gentlysm campaign (www.imagegently.org), deliver guidance to radiology providers on imaging applications and techniques to achieve the lowest dose necessary for diagnostic procedures on children. However, there is limited research investigating the extent to which child-appropriate CT protocols are adopted and implemented. Survey results show high levels of dose-reduction protocol and shielding use among U.S. community hospitals, albeit with some variation by hospital characteristics.
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging in Privately Insured Patients: Recent Trends in Utilization and Payments
Michal Horny, MSc, James F. Burgess Jr, PhD, Jedediah Horwitt, MPH, MBA, Alan B. Cohen, ScD
This 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 Matter
Johnson 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, PhD
Academic 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 Hospital
Michael F. Rayo, PhD, Emily S. Patterson, PhD, Beth W. Liston, MD, PhD, Susan White, PhD, Nina Kowalczyk, PhD
A 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 Resources
Jay A. Harolds, MD, Beverly G. Coleman, MD, Michael P. Recht, MD, Edward I. Bluth, MD
Surveys 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.
For additional information, or to schedule an interview with a JACR spokesperson, please contact Stephanie DeBoer at 781-710-4414 or PR@acr.org.