ACR Modifies Quality and Safety Programs to Help Radiologists, Facilities Meet Marketplace Challenges
Since its inception more than 75 years ago, the ACR and its members have always emphasized the highest level of patient care and the quality of radiology services provided. Through the years, the ACR has introduced a wide variety of products and services to help its members adhere to this commitment, including practice guidelines and technical standards, the ACR Appropriateness Criteria™, and the highly respected ACR accreditation programs.
However, as the practice of radiology has changed through the years, changes have also been necessary for many of these products and services to ensure that the ACR provides its members with the information and tools necessary to continue their tradition of quality health care delivery. With today's rapidly changing health care environment and increased concerns over mounting health care costs, especially for programs such as Medicare, it is more important today than ever that radiologists be able to demonstrate their adherence to the highest levels of patient care.
Accordingly, if radiologists are to maintain their eminent position as the health care professionals most qualified to perform imaging services, the ACR guidelines and accreditation programs will need to be strengthened incrementally to demonstrate radiology's dedication to quality patient care to regulators, payers, and, most important, consumers.
"As lawmakers and regulators pay more attention to solving the dilemma of escalating health care costs, specifically in the area of diagnostic imaging, it is essential that radiologists today be able to demonstrate their professional excellence and their ability to provide patients with exceptional and indisputable quality care," said James P. Borgstede, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology, Board of Chancellors. "The ACR strives to enhance its current programs and services and develop new ones so that its members will continue to be recognized as the nation's respected experts in medical imaging."
These program developments have been noticeable in the ACR's accreditation programs, with many recent changes announced to strengthen these programs as a critical indicator of quality health care. For example, on July 1, the ACR expanded its MRI accreditation program to accept applications for 3.0 Tesla magnets, thereby allowing facilities using these new imaging devices to earn ACR accreditation.
However, these developments come with additional burdens for providers regarding program requirements. For example, by July 1, 2006, sites applying for MRI accreditation will be required to submit an annual MRI System Performance Evaluation that is performed by a medical physicist or MR scientist. Sites are also required to submit copies of their weekly onsite QC data for the most recent quarter. Also, beginning in 2006, accredited facilities will need to establish a quality improvement program such as RADPEER™ to earn or maintain their accreditation status. Moreover, accreditation committees also will be looking at a physician's qualifications as required by other accrediting bodies and specialty societies to ensure compatibility across accrediting bodies.
These added burdens are nominal, however, when compared to the value and importance of demonstrating a continued commitment to quality patient care and a dedication to the highest levels of professional excellence.
The ACR will update members on any developments and requisite changes that may affect practices or facilities. In the meantime, the ACR Web site (www.acr.org) will continue to offer the latest news on changes to ACR programs and services. For more information, please contact Pamela Wilcox, (703) 715-3495.