Quality assurance in cardiovascular and interventional radiology.

In summary, quality assurance in medicine and in CVIR must be an important part of daily practice. The JCAHO is gradually moving toward quality improvement as a goal, rather than simply monitoring performance. Physicians must lead the way in dealing with the issues of monitoring performance, with the ultimate goal being the welfare of their patients. The model SCVIR QA program described above will help cardiovascular and interventional radiology sections of all sizes to meet these goals. Resources applied toward QA activities are investments for maximizing efficiency and productivity, while minimizing morbidity and mortality. These well-spent efforts will hopefully decrease the spiraling costs of medical care.