How Much Is That Head CT? Price Transparency and Variability in Radiology

PurposeTo extend the investigation of price transparency and variability to medical imaging.MethodsEighteen upper-tier academic hospitals identified by U.S. News & World Report and 14 of the 100 largest private radiology practices in the country identified by the Radiology Business Journal were contacted by telephone between December 2013 and February 2014 to determine the cash price for a noncontrast head CT. The price for a noncontrast head CT was chosen to assess price transparency in medical imaging because it represents a standard imaging examination with minimal differences in quality.ResultsFourteen upper-tier academic hospitals (78%) and 11 private practices (79%) were able to provide prices for a noncontrast head CT. There was no significant difference between the proportions of upper-tier academic hospitals and private practices that were able to provide prices for a noncontrast head CT (P = .96). The average total price for the upper-tier academic hospitals was $1,390.12 ± $686.13, with the price ranging from $391.62 to $2,015. The average total price for the private practices was $681.60 ± $563.58, with the total price ranging from $211 to $2,200.ConclusionsPrices for a noncontrast head CT study were readily available from the vast majority of upper-tier academic hospitals and private practices, although there was tremendous variation in the price estimates both within and between the upper-tier academic hospitals and private practices. Routine medical imaging thus appears to be more price transparent compared with other health care services.     

Education Level Predicts Appropriate Follow-Up of Incidental Findings From Lung Cancer Screening

PurposeThe aim of this study was to identify predictors of appropriate follow-up for clinically significant incidental findings (IFs) detected with low-dose CT during lung cancer screening.MethodsCharts of 1,458 prospectively enrolled lung screening patients from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2018, were reviewed. IFs, other than coronary artery calcification and emphysema, were identified. ACR practice guidelines defined appropriate patient follow-up. Patient demographic and social characteristics were obtained from the initial shared decision-making visit and the electronic medical record. Factors of interest included age, gender, race, education level, and insurance status. Education level was reported as high school graduate or less or education past high school. A multivariate logistic regression was estimated to assess patient factors associated with appropriate follow-up.ResultsOne hundred thirty-eight participants (9%) with 141 actionable IFs were identified. The overall appropriate follow-up rate was 82%. The most common IFs were renal lesions (16%), dilated thoracic aorta (10%), and pulmonary fibrosis (10%). Univariate analysis of appropriate patient follow-up revealed a significant difference for education level (P = .02). A greater than high school education remained strongly associated with appropriate follow-up after controlling for other demographic factors.ConclusionsAppropriate patient follow-up of clinically significant IFs from lung cancer screening is a well-recognized avenue to improve population health. Education level is a significant independent predictor of appropriate follow-up of IFs, whether as a surrogate for low socioeconomic status or as an indication of health literacy. To address these realities, lung screening shared decision making should adapt to consider health care access and health literacy.     

Imaging Decision Support Does Not Drive Out-of-Network Leakage of Referred Imaging

PurposeLeakage (out-of-network referral) is undesirable because it limits ability to control costs of services. Clinical decision support (CDS) systems seek to ensure appropriate imaging of patients but theoretically could drive leakage if ordering providers attempt to circumvent CDS recommendations and obtain studies from other imaging providers. This study assessed the incidence of leakage of imaging studies that had low appropriateness scores.MethodsWe queried our outpatient CDS system over a three-year period (2011-2013) for studies that received a low CDS appropriateness score and were canceled by the ordering physician. For patients meeting these criteria and participating in risk-shared contracts, we cross-referenced their imaging utilization reports in the risk-contract insurance payment database to determine if they received outpatient imaging within 60 days of the index order, contrary to the decision support recommendation.ResultsThe risk-shared insurance database contained an average of 63,378 patients who had 18,008 MRIs and 18,014 CTs. A total of 11,234 (31.2%) studies were leaked: 3,513 (9.8%) to affiliated institutions; 7,721 (21.4%) to unaffiliated imaging facilities. Overall, 111 imaging studies received a low appropriateness score in the risk-shared patient population and were performed within 60 days despite the low score. Of these studies, 106 of 111 (95.5%) were ultimately performed within our hospital system (104 at the home institution; 2 at affiliated institutions); only 5 of 111 (4.5%) were performed outside of our hospital system.ConclusionsDecision support systems for ordering providers do not seem to drive imaging referrals out of hospital systems to other institutions. Hospital systems can implement decision support without fear of this occurring.     

Socioeconomics of coronary artery calcium: Is it scored or ignored?

ImportanceChicago is one of the most racially segregated cities in the US, with the largest mortality gap between neighborhoods. Computed tomographic coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) is an excellent risk stratification tool, but costs about $200 out-of-pocket, making it inaccessible to some.ObjectiveTo determine whether this ACC/AHA guideline-recommended screening tool is accessible to all populations and neighborhoods, we evaluated the price and availability of CACS in Chicago area hospitals.DesignWe used the Illinois Department of Public Health list of area hospitals to inquire about CACS availability and price. We compared these results to US Census Bureau data for each hospital's service area's demographic, ethnic and socioeconomic population characteristics.ResultsOut of the 40 hospitals in Chicagoland, 30 offered CACS. The 10 hospitals without CACS were smaller hospitals in zip codes with a higher population density (p ?< ?0.01), higher poverty rates (22% vs. 13%, p ?< ?0.01), lower percentage of white population (p ?< ?0.02), lower frequency of higher education (35% vs. 51%, p ?< ?0.05), and a trend toward more black residents (p ?< ?0.10). Life expectancy was greater in areas with CACS available (78 vs. 75 years, p ?< ?0.05).Even in areas with CACS, there was wide price variation, with higher prices in poorer areas (r ?= ?0.57, p ?< ?0.01). The highest vs. lowest quintile of income had higher education, larger white population (80% vs. 14%, p ?< ?0.0001), and longer life expectancy (81 vs. 72 years, p ?< ?0.0002), but tended to have a lower price of CACS ($86 vs. $487, p ?< ?0.08).Conclusions and relevanceCACS is a powerful, evidenced-based clinical tool, but the availability and price vary widely in Chicagoland, and directly correlate with the socioeconomic and health care disparities that are known to exist. Removing these barriers to coronary artery disease screening may be one method to improve the poor cardiovascular outcomes in these areas.     

Transarterial Chemoembolization in the Coming Era of Decreased Reimbursement for Readmissions

PurposeCMS has identified readmission of patients within 30 days of discharge as a targeted quality metric and has instituted financial penalties to encourage hospitals to reduce readmissions. The aims of this study were to examine the rate of 30-day admissions after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) at a single institution and to identify potential factors associated with readmission.MethodsA total of 275 patients were identified who underwent a total of 457 TACE procedures over a 21-year period. Their electronic medical records were reviewed to evaluate the 30-day readmission rate in all patients undergoing TACE, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain any clinical or demographic factors affecting the risk for readmission.ResultsNineteen patients (4.2%) required readmission to the hospital within 30 days; 11 of these readmissions were directly attributable to TACE, with inpatient stays upon readmission ranging from 2 to 27 days. Fourteen patients (3.1%) returned to the emergency department (ED) within 30 days of TACE. Medicare patients were more likely to be readmitted to the hospital or require emergency department treatment within 30 days than patients with private health insurance (P = .006). Patients with worse performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group) were also more likely to require emergency department care within 30 days (P = .04).ConclusionsTACE patients are at risk for readmission, often related to underlying medical comorbidities. Although extensively studied in other specialties, the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program has received little attention in the radiology literature, and radiologists should familiarize themselves with this continually expanding initiative.     

Exploring the Usability of Mobile Apps Supporting Radiologists’ Training in Diagnostic Decision Making

PurposeThe objective of this study was to conduct a usability evaluation of mobile apps for supporting education and training in radiologic diagnostic decision-making processes.MethodsOf 381 mobile apps available at two major stores (Google Play and iTunes), eight iOS apps were selected for laboratory-based usability tests. Six staff radiologists completed eight app-specific task sets, using a think-aloud strategy. The triangular methods approach included quantitative performance measures, System Usability Scale (SUS), and qualitative thematic analysis using heuristic usability principles of usability issues.ResultsOverall, radiologists achieved higher than 70% success, with favorable SUS scores, in completing the tasks for seven of the eight apps. However, task success rate and SUS score had a weak relation (r = 0.23), indicating that the perceived usability may not reflect the holistic usability of the app. Task analysis and self-report revealed 108 usability issues, which were condensed to 55 unique issues and categorized by nine usability themes and mapped to ten usability heuristics. Nonintuitive functionality (eg, nonintuitive or misleading labels) was the most frequent theme observed, leading to inefficient navigation. These usability findings were consistent with the 13 improvements the radiologists suggested.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the feasibility of usability evaluation of radiology mobile apps and suggests potential improvements in the development of radiology mobile apps. This study also suggests that proficiency with mobile devices may not be equivalent to being an expert user, proficient in using the apps.     

天津市X射线诊断设备医疗照射频度调查

目的 掌握天津市X射线诊断设备医疗照射频度,为规范医疗照射管理,合理配置和使用医疗卫生资源提供建议。方法 采用普查的方式,以行政文件形式下发调查表格,对天津市687家医院（部队和武警医院除外）的X射线诊断设备基本情况和医疗照射诊疗情况进行调查,了解天津市2018年X射线诊断设备的基本情况和诊疗人次。将调查的各类型放射诊疗人次数除以2018年全市常住人口数,得出不同X射线诊断设备的应用频度,并对结果加以分析。结果 2018年天津市共有X射线诊断设备（含介入放射学）1 562台,平均每万人拥有1.00台。天津市从事X射线诊断工作（含介入放射学）的放射工作人员共4 782人,操作每台设备的放射工作人员数为3.06人/台,其中三级医院最高,为5.25人/台、未定级医院最低,为1.18人/台。全市X射线诊断医疗照射8 905 970人次,其中三级医院占54.81%、二级医院占18.00%、一级医院占16.21%、未定级医院占10.98%;X射线摄影检查占71.30%,年频度为407.84人次/千人口、CT检查占21.81%,年频度为124.74人次/千人口、介入放射学占1.04%,年频度为5.98人次/千人口,其他X射线检查占5.85%,年频度为33.47人次/千人口。结论 天津市X射线诊断设备配置基本合理,X射线诊断医疗照射频度呈上升趋势,各X射线诊断检查类别分布的合理性还需进一步提高,做好医疗照射防护,降低群体剂量水平,保护广大公众的健康和安全,是今后放射防护工作的重要课题。     

Effect of a communication lecture tutorial on breast imaging trainees' confidence with challenging breast imaging patient interactions

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a one-hour lecture based communication curriculum on breast imaging trainees' confidence in communicating with patients in a challenging communication setting such as delivering bad news or radiologic error disclosure.Methods12 breast imaging trainees from an academic fellowship program completed questionnaires before and after a communication tutorial. A four breast imaging specific scenario questionnaire assessed confidence by asking the trainees to rank agreement with statements related to their attitude in those specific settings. 12-month follow-up questionnaire was sent to the graduating fellows assessing their -overall confidence in patient communication, the contribution of the curriculum to their self-perceived communication skill and their likelihood in disclosing a radiologic error to a patient.ResultsAll trainees completed the pre and post lecture questionnaire. After the communication tutorial, all trainees reported increased confidence in communicating with patients in a variety of challenging settings with pre lecture survey mean confidence score of 38/98 and post lecture survey mean score of 85.3/98, P = 0.003. Three of eight trainees who completed the 12-month follow up questionnaire reported confidence in their communication skills and reported that the tutorial significantly contributed to their communication skill development. All three agreed that they would be likely to disclose a medical error should they encounter it in their future career.ConclusionsA limited resource one-hour lecture communication tutorial provides effective communication training for breast imaging fellows and is a promising part of a breast imaging curriculum.     

Radiation therapist health literacy training: Does learning alternate communication methods translate into improved confidence in patient interactions?

IntroductionLow health literacy can inhibit patients’ understanding of radiation therapy (RT) procedures. An objective of this research was to develop training to educate Australian radiation therapists (RTTs) about tools that support low health literacy patients, namely plain language and the Teach Back method (TBM). Perceptions, clinical use of these tools and confidence levels (pre and post training) in occupational scenarios were evaluated.MethodsRTTs attended two workshops one week apart. Three anonymous surveys (before the first workshop, immediately after the second and three months post workshops) were completed. Quantitative analysis included weighted sum averages of confidence levels and chi-square analysis.ResultsAt baseline, 56% of participants had heard of ‘health literacy’, 93% ‘plain language’, while 26% knew about TBM. Confidence levels increased after the workshops, with improvement of confidence demonstrating significance (p < 0.05) in 3/7 scenarios. The use of ‘plain language’ assessed on the third survey during every interaction was higher than that anticipated by participants on the second survey (46% vs 39%), while the TBM was utilised less (0% vs 23%).ConclusionRadiation therapists’ confidence and use of alternative tools to improve patient understanding improved after attending training.Implications for practiceOngoing encouragement using alternate communication methods are recommended to assist with strengthening patient outcomes.     

淮安市2017年医用X射线诊断应用频度调查

目的 分析医用X射线诊断应用的分布特征，估算淮安市的应用频度。方法 采用分层随机抽样，选择淮安市三级医院2家（1家综合和1家妇幼）、二级医院4家、一级及以下医院20家，调查2017年26家医院医用X射线诊断应用情况。结果 三级、二级、一级及以下医院的平均X射线诊断设备数量分别为13.5、7.3、1.6台，进口设备占比分别为85.2%、69.0%、9.4%，医院级别越高，役龄5年以内设备占比越大；26家医疗机构的2017年X射线摄影、透视、CT、口腔和乳腺检查人次分别为350 221、71 597、327 404、23 820和12 849。初步估算得到淮安市2017年常规X射线诊断频度约为444.22人次/千人口、CT检查为236.40人次/千人口。结论 淮安市常规X射线诊断频度低于2016年江苏省平均水平，CT诊断频度与江苏省平均水平基本一致，较"九五期间"江苏省平均水平增长较快。     

Strategic Radiology Outreach Planning for Underserved Populations Using Geographic Information Systems

PurposeGeographic information systems (GIS) are widely used in public health research but rarely used in radiology research. GIS can be an impactful tool in radiology global health to locate medically underserved populations and poor transportation infrastructure, characterize medical needs, and design outreach programs. Using the example of aircraft-based outreach in Alaska, we demonstrate the utility of GIS in radiological program planning for global health.MethodsMulticriteria GIS evaluations were performed to create a health severity index, using life expectancy and percentage uninsured data, and an accessibility severity index, using distance from roads and health centers or hospitals. These indices were combined with population density to create a final health access severity index (HASI). A map presenting suitable hybrid airship operating areas was produced using land cover data. Alaskan health care facilities were georeferenced to create a coordinate data set. Infrastructure was obtained from OpenStreetMap. Health data were accessed from the 2017 American Community Survey and CDC US Small-area Life Expectancy Estimates Project.ResultsGIS analyzed 738,050 Alaskans. The health severity index identified decreased health outcomes (high or very high severity) in 285,446 (39%) Alaskans, and the accessibility severity index determined decreased access to care in 218,201 (30%). Combined, the HASI established 165,108 (22%) Alaskans as underserved with high or very high overall severity. Thirty-nine percent of Alaska land area is suitable for hybrid airship operations, including 27% of HASI high and very high severity areas.ConclusionsGIS identified underserved populations for mobile radiology outreach in Alaska and may be useful for global health outreach planning and resource allocation.     

Complex Billing for Nonemergency Outpatient Imaging: An Obstacle to the Success of Health Care Price Transparency Initiatives

PurposeRecent price transparency initiatives have considerable limitations, notably due to the complexity of health care products. A single care encounter often consists of several services that may be performed by numerous clinicians and health care facilities that bill independently. The objective of this study was to describe the complexity in billing for nonemergency, noninvasive outpatient imaging and its variation across care delivery settings and imaging modalities.MethodsUsing billing records from the 2019 IBM MarketScan Commercial Database, the authors examined the number of billing entities involved in outpatient imaging encounters and the sets of relevant items and services for which patients were billed.ResultsIn total, 5,210,129 imaging encounters were analyzed. Patients received bills from multiple billing entities for 70.9% of hospital-based encounters, 4.5% of office-based encounters, and 7.6% of encounters at imaging centers. Contrast agent was billed separately from the imaging procedures in 55.9%, 71.5%, and 55.3% of encounters for contrast imaging at hospitals, offices, and imaging centers, respectively. Billing for other ancillary items and services (facility fees, 3-D reconstruction, anesthesia and sedation) was relatively rare.ConclusionsTwo key aspects of billing complexity may make obtaining complete and reliable price estimates before receiving outpatient imaging difficult for patients: the number of billing entities involved in care delivery and billing for fees and ancillary services beyond the primary imaging procedure. Given that price transparency initiatives are aimed primarily at helping patients anticipate the total cost of their care, policymakers, payers, and providers should take additional steps to provide patients with reliable information on the prices of entire care experiences.     

Changes in Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program Brain CT Efficiency Performance, 2013 to 2018

Background and PurposeInefficient imaging practices merit renewed attention in preparation for full implementation of the Appropriate Use Criteria Program. This study’s purpose is to quantify changes in outpatient brain CT imaging efficiency from 2013 to 2018, including changes in relative efficiency by hospital category.Materials and MethodsImaging efficiency data were obtained from the Medicare Hospital Compare website. Summary statistics were calculated for rates of unnecessarily combined brain and sinus CT scans from 2013 to 2018. Relative performance was compared by hospital Medicare payment structure, type of ownership, and affiliation with a radiology residency program. The predictive value of these hospital characteristics on brain CT efficiency was determined using linear regression analysis.ResultsFrom 2013 to 2018, the mean frequency of unnecessarily combined brain and sinus CT scans decreased by 1.82% (95% confidence interval, 1.74%-1.90%). Proprietary and physician-owned hospitals exhibited a higher mean frequency of combined scans than other hospitals in 2013 (P < .001), and government-owned hospitals exhibited a lower mean frequency of combined scans than other hospitals in 2018 (P < .001). Radiology residency-affiliated hospitals exhibited no significant difference in 2013 but exhibited a higher mean frequency in 2018 (difference: 0.45%; 95% confidence interval, 0.29%-0.61%). Critical access hospital status and nonaffiliation with a radiology residency program were the strongest predictors of brain CT efficiency in the regression model.ConclusionRecent changes in hospitals’ relative brain CT efficiency suggest category-specific differences in responsiveness to quality improvement efforts and may foreshadow similar trends under forthcoming initiatives.     

Secondary Interpretations of Diagnostic Imaging Examinations: Patient Liabilities and Out-of-Pocket Costs

BackgroundSecondary interpretations of diagnostic imaging examinations are increasingly performed to improve care for complex patients. We sought to determine associated patient-billed liabilities and out-of-pocket payments and to identify patient and imaging study characteristics that correlate with higher patient bills and out-of-pocket payments.MethodsData extracted for 7,740 secondary imaging interpretations performed across our large metropolitan health system over 25 months included total professional charges, insurance payments, patient-billed liabilities, and patient out-of-pocket payments. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify patient and imaging factors associated with higher patient bills and out-of-pocket payments.ResultsMean secondary interpretation professional charges, insurance payments, patient-billed liabilities, and patient out-of-pocket payments were $306.50, $108.02, $27.80, and $14.55, respectively. Patients received bills for 47.5% of services and made out-of-pocket payments for 17.1%. Patient-billed liabilities and out-of-pocket payments were higher for patients who were younger and uninsured and for secondary interpretations requested for patients seen in outpatient (versus inpatient) settings. Patient-billed liabilities and out-of-pocket payments were lower for patients who were Black (versus White) and had government-sponsored (versus commercial) insurance and for secondary interpretations performed during the second, third, or fourth (versus first) quarter of each calendar year.ConclusionObserved differences between patient-billed liabilities and out-of-pocket payments suggest that secondary interpretations of diagnostic imaging examinations can result in small but real patient financial burdens. Improved price transparency and enhanced patient communication about the value of secondary interpretations could reduce potential surprises when patients receive these bills.     

Assessment of diagnostic radiographers’ knowledge of work-related health problems and associated effects: A multicentre study in Ghana

IntroductionWork-related health problems (WRHPs) are health conditions peculiar to a group of people or occupations including radiography in a specific work setting. These WRHPs occur as a result of prevailing work conditions which predispose workers to risks of physical or psychological distress.AimThis study assessed the knowledge of WRHPs among practicing radiographers in Ghana and evaluated the sources, causes, effects and preventive measures of WRHPs.MethodsA prospective cross-sectional design incorporating a quantitative data collection approach was used. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and evaluate the effects of WRHPs among two cohorts of 31 practicing radiographers at a regional hospital (RH) and a teaching hospital (TH).ResultsAn average score of 4.2 (SD = 0.4) out of 5 (84.8%) obtained on the knowledge scale indicated very good knowledge of WRHPs among the radiographers. Physical work demands, ergonomic issues, increased workload and stress levels on on-duty radiographers due to sick absence by colleagues, large numbers of daily cases, and extra work without incentives were reported as WRHPs effects mostly experienced by the radiographers. The study also showed no significant difference between gender groups (p = 0.313), years of professional practice experience level (p = 0.319), and academic qualifications (p = 0.287) on knowledge of WRHPs.ConclusionRadiographers working in some referral and teaching hospitals in Ghana demonstrated very good knowledge of WRHPs and identified several effects of WRHPs on professional practice.Implication for practiceThe study concludes that WRHPs predispose radiographers to adverse health conditions, and administrative protocols are required to prevent or mitigate the burden.     

Financial Effect of Unbundling Moderate Sedation from Procedural Codes in Radiology

PurposeTo assess and quantify the financial effect of unbundling newly unbundled moderate sedation codes across major payors at an academic radiology practice.Materials and MethodsBilling and reimbursement data for 23 months of unbundled moderate sedation codes were analyzed for reimbursement rates and trends. This included 10,481 and 28,189 units billed and $443,257 and $226,444 total receipts for codes 99152 (initial 15 minutes of moderate sedation) and 99153 (each subsequent 15 minute increment of moderate sedation), respectively. Five index procedures—(i) central venous port placement, (ii) endovascular tumor embolization, (iii) tunneled central venous catheter placement, (iv) percutaneous gastrostomy placement, and (v) percutaneous nephrostomy placement—were identified, and moderate sedation reimbursements for Medicare and the dominant private payor were calculated and compared to pre-bundled reimbursements. Revenue variation models across different patient insurance mixes were then created using averages from 4 common practice settings among radiologists (independent practices, all hospitals, safety-net hospitals, and non-safety-net hospitals).ResultsDepartmental reimbursement for unbundled moderate sedation in FY2018 and FY2019 totaled $669,701.34, with high per-unit variability across payors, especially for code 99153. Across the 5 index procedures, moderate sedation reimbursement decreased 1.3% after unbundling and accounted for 3.9% of procedural revenue from Medicare and increased 11.9% and accounted for 5.5% of procedural revenue from the dominant private payor. Between different patient insurance mix models, estimated reimbursement from moderate sedation varied by as much as 29.9%.ConclusionsDepartmental reimbursement from billing the new unbundled moderate sedation codes was sizable and heterogeneous, highlighting the need for consistent and accurate reporting of moderate sedation. Total collections vary by case mix, patient insurance mix, and negotiated reimbursement rates.     

Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (CoGBE): Clinician perceived benefits of a graphic narrative discussion guide

PURPOSEMany current radiotherapy patient education materials are not patient-centered. An interprofessional team developed Communicating the Gynecologic Brachytherapy Experience (CoGBE), a graphic narrative discussion guide for cylinder, intracavitary, and interstitial high-dose-rate (HDR) gynecologic brachytherapy. This study assesses perceived clinical benefits, usability, and anxiety-reduction of CoGBE.METHODS AND MATERIALSAn electronic survey was sent to members of the American Brachytherapy Society. Participants were assigned to assess one of the three modality-specific CoGBE versions using a modified Systems Usability Scale (SUS), modified state-trait anxiety index (mSTAI), and Likert-type questions. Free response data was analyzed using modified grounded theory.RESULTSMedian modified SUS score was 76.3 (interquartile range [IQR], 71.3−82.5) and there were no significant differences between guide types. Median mSTAI was 40 (IQR, 40−43.3) for all guides collectively. The cylinder guide had a significantly higher median mSTAI than the intracavitary and interstitial guides (41.6 vs. 40.0 and 40.0; p = 0.04) suggesting the cylinder guide may have less impact on reducing anxiety. Most respondents reported that CoGBE was helpful (72%), would improve patient understanding (77%) and consultation memorability (82%), and was at least moderately likely to be incorporated into their practice (80%). Qualitative analysis themes included personalization and relatability (positive); generalizability (negative); illustrations (both).CONCLUSIONSClinicians rate CoGBE as usable with potential to reduce patient anxiety, especially with more invasive treatment modalities including intracavitary or interstitial high-dose-rate. CoGBE has the potential to improve patient-clinician communication for a wider range of patients due to its accessible, adaptable, and patient-centered design.     

Predictors of MRI Leakage Among Patients Attributed to an Academic Medical Center Commercial Risk-Shared Insurance Contract

PurposeFor health care organizations engaged in risk-shared insurance contracts, leakage of advanced diagnostic imaging to imaging sites not affiliated with the risk-sharing organization may undermine performance on financial and quality metrics. The goal of this study was to identify factors that are predictive of leakage of MRI examinations among patients attributed to an academic health care organization’s risk-shared commercial insurance contract.MethodsAdministrative claims data from 2015 through 2016 for patients attributed to a single risk-shared commercial insurance contract at a large academic medical center (AMC) were analyzed. Primary outcome was MRI leakage: an outpatient MRI study performed at a site not affiliated with the AMC’s integrated health care system. Ordering provider alignment with the AMC’s risk-shared insurance contract was categorized as strong, weak, or none. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between provider alignment and MRI leakage, while adjusting for selected covariates.ResultsAmong 8,215 patients meeting inclusion criteria, there were 13,272 MRI encounters. The overall proportion of leaked MRI studies was 12.7%. MRI studies ordered by providers with weak AMC alignment (odds ratio, 3.16; 95% confidence interval, 2.49-4.02) or no AMC alignment (odds ratio, 3.68; 95% confidence interval, 3.12-4.33) were more likely to leak than MRI studies ordered by providers with strong AMC alignment.ConclusionsAn ordering provider with no alignment with an AMC’s commercial risk-shared insurance contract was the strongest predictor of MRI leakage. Population health management initiatives aimed at reducing leakage should consider the impact of provider networks and clinical referral patterns that drive imaging utilization.     

Trends in Hospital Performance on the Medicare National Outpatient Imaging Metrics: A 5-Year Longitudinal Cohort Analysis

PurposeMedicare established its Hospital Outpatient Quality Reporting Program (HOQRP) to promote and incentivize quality care and appropriate utilization in the hospital outpatient setting. The program includes “imaging efficiency” metrics evaluating appropriate utilization of imaging examinations. Our purpose was to evaluate the longitudinal performance of the nation’s hospitals on the HOQPR’s imaging efficiency metrics.MethodsData were obtained from CMS Hospital Compare for hospitals participating in the Medicare HOQRP during both initial (January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011) and follow-up (July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016) periods. The six reported imaging efficiency metrics were: MRI lumbar spine for low back pain, mammography follow-up rates, abdomen and chest CT double scans (imaging with and without intravenous contrast), cardiac imaging for preoperative risk assessment for low-risk surgery, and simultaneous use of brain and sinus CT. Differences in imaging efficiency metrics were calculated using fixed effects linear regression models.ResultsBaseline and follow-up data were available for 3,960 hospitals. Median changes were MRI lumbar spine for low back pain: +3.6% (range: ?27.9% to +31.4%; P < .001); mammography follow-up: ?0.3% (range: ?69.5% to +62.6%; P = .03); double scan abdomen CT: ?1.9% (range: ?73.5% to +32.3%; P < .001); double scan chest CT: ?0.4% (range: ?73.2% to +28.0%; P < .001); preoperative cardiac imaging: ?0.7% (range: ?10.0% to +9.9%; P < .001); simultaneous brain and sinus CT: ?0.9% (range: ?11.8% to +7.8%; P < .001).ConclusionMedicare’s nationwide hospital outpatient imaging efficiency reporting initiative was associating with worse performance in lumbar spine MRI utilization and small improvements in double CT scans. Because quality metrics are increasingly imposed on health care providers, health service researchers will need to rigorously evaluate their effectiveness before and during early implementation.     

Dense Breast Notification Laws’ Association With Outcomes in the US Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveUnderstanding whether states’ breast density notifications are associated with desired effects, or disparities, can inform federal policy. We examined self-reported receipt of personal breast density information, breast density discussions with providers, knowledge about density’s masking effect, and association with increased breast cancer risk by state legislation status and women’s sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsCross-sectional observational population-based telephone survey of women aged >40 years who underwent mammography within prior 2 years, had no history of breast cancer, and had heard the term “breast density.”ResultsAmong 2,306 women, 57% received personal breast density information. Multivariate regression models adjusted for covariates indicated that women in notification states were 1.5 times more likely to receive density information, and older Black and Asian women of lower income and lower health literacy were less likely. Overall, only 39% of women discussed density with providers; women in notification states were 1.75 times as likely. Older and Asian women were less likely to have spoken with providers; women with high literacy or prior biopsy were more likely. State legislation status was not associated with differences in density knowledge, but Hispanic women and women of lower income or low health literacy had less knowledge regarding density’s masking effects; older women were more knowledgeable. Hispanic women and women of lower income or low health literacy were more likely, and middle-aged women less likely, to recognize increased breast cancer risk.DiscussionSome positive effects were observed, but sociodemographic disparities suggest tailoring of future breast density communications for specific populations of women to ensure equitable understanding.