Dear Imaging Informatics Insider,
Just how valuable are certified imaging informatics professionals (CIIPs)? Radiology and other imaging groups can have very different outcomes based on whether they utilize a CIIP, according to Luke Bideaux of Vega Imaging Informatics.
In part 1 of a new article series for AuntMinnie.com, Bideaux detailed the benefits that accrue when a CIIP plays an integral role in ensuring data integrity. Part 2 -- this edition's Insider Exclusive -- highlights the many advantages of utilizing a CIIP to optimize imaging workflow.
The Medicare mandate to utilize appropriate use criteria/clinical decision support (CDS) for ordering advanced imaging studies is finally scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2020, so now's a good time for radiology practices to review where they stand with this important regulation, according to Sandy Coffta of Healthcare Administrative Partners.
To help with CDS, a musculoskeletal radiologist from a Chicago-based radiology practice has developed Rads Consult, a free web app designed to help referring physicians order appropriate imaging studies. Learn more about Rads Consult in our Mobile App Spotlight.
In other recent stories, the combination of an imaging analytics platform and lean management concepts was found to yield substantial improvements in the operational efficiency of MRI departments without affecting the quality of care. While convenient for collaboration, sharing patient data on social media or messaging applications can be perilous for radiologists. In presentations at the European Congress of Radiology in Vienna, luminaries offered suggestions on secure alternatives.
What were the notable PACS trends in the exhibit hall at last month's annual meeting of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)? Consultant Michael J. Cannavo -- the PACSman -- reviewed the important imaging informatics developments and doled out his always entertaining PACSman awards in a postshow column. Meanwhile, Stephen Holloway of Signify Research shared his perspective on enterprise imaging trends at HIMSS 2019 in a video interview.
Workflow orchestration can maximize quality and reduce costs for multisite radiology practices. It can also ensure equitable workload for radiologists and facilitate advanced data analysis, according to another presentation at HIMSS 2019.
In addition, interactive multimedia radiology reports can improve report clarity and save time for clinicians and fellow radiologists, according to researchers from the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the University of Virginia Health System.
Is there a story you'd like to see covered in the Imaging Informatics Community? As always, please feel free to drop me a line.
