With the introduction of electronic medical records and the Meaningful Use program from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health care providers have become inundated with comprehensive health data. Radiologists now play a more pivotal role in the coordination of care, offering direct insight into treatment strategies for certain conditions and injuries.
FierceMedicalImaging explained that there are several keys to maintaining profitability in a diagnostic radiology practice, but making informed decisions using data can be integral to the process. From hiring the right fits for staff members to developing a steady revenue cycle, collected information facilitates practice management. But it can be difficult to determine how to accumulate and leverage data.
According to Richard Woodcock, M.D., a neuroradiologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, there are four practices that radiologists can implement to increase the efficiency of their data.
- Make year-to-year comparisons to gauge spending, rather than month-to-month.
- Analyze aggregate numbers to determine where growth is coming from.
- Track payers in order to take action against any billing shortcomings.
- Break down total figures by modality and imaging center.
By following these guidelines, health care providers can begin to leverage the data that they have accumulated from EMRs.
Being more involved in conversations
Because discussing health information can be complex for some physicians, bringing radiologists into consultations can be beneficial to the coordination of care. Diagnostic Imaging explained that doctors have to begin strengthening communication by including radiologists in the medical dichotomy.
When aiming to boost patient engagement strategies in accordance with regulations from CMS, radiologists should be more receptive to chatting with patients. By educating and informing them of conditions and potential care options, they place power to make treatment decisions into patients’ hands.
Mark Mangano, M.D., a diagnostic radiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital, launched a project at the health system with patients who had underwent CT scans. Working with a primary care physician, 15 patients enrolled in the trial consultation clinic at MGH. The study was focused on individuals living with atherosclerosis, ketosis and emphysema.
“We had an idea in mind of how we could maximize radiology’s value,” explained Mangano, quoted by Diagnostic Imaging. “In reading images, you see things that are common to various conditions. If we can use images to convince people these problems exist, then maybe we can help them change their lifestyle or reduce the burden of disease.”
Increasing the value of radiology consultations
The goal was to make patient-radiologist communication more common and utilize imaging results as a tool for embracing lifestyle changes in patients. Once patients arrived for primary care appointments, they were asked if they wanted to meet with a radiologist for a consultation. Each session with Mangano lasted around 20 to 30 minutes, wherein they discussed the respective disease, how it affects the body, where that would show in imaging studies and a review of the CT exam itself.
Mangano found that patients were open during the discussions and asked many questions regarding their cases. However, face-to-face conversations with radiologists still face challenges, as they are considered an unconventional concept by some physicians. Primary care doctors might view discussing imaging studies as their clinical territory.
Yet, the patient survey results from the MGH study indicated that both providers and patients benefited from the consultation clinic. Radiologists felt more involved in the care process, while patients gained insight into strategies to improve their overall health. Because of this, providers should consider running their own trial consultation clinics to experience clinical improvements in population health management.
Contact Viztek for more information.
Ronny Bachrach
Latest posts by Ronny Bachrach (see all)
- Konica Minolta Debuts First-of-Its-Kind Digital U-Arm System at AHRA - July 27, 2016
- Researchers Detect Signs Of Stroke Risk Using MRI - June 27, 2016
- Imaging Biz: Q&A with David S. Channin MD: How to Make PACS Patient Centered - June 22, 2016
0
0
0
