National Imaging Measures
In 2008, the National Quality Forum considered 21 “outpatient imaging efficiency” measures for endorsement as voluntary consensus standards. The project, like all NQF activities, involved participation of representatives from a spectrum of healthcare stakeholders – consumers; public and private purchasers; physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare providers; accrediting bodies; supporting industries; and organizations involved in healthcare research or quality improvement.
The NQF Outpatient Imaging Efficiency project was designed to address appropriate and efficient use of diagnostic imaging in the outpatient setting among healthcare providers, including measures that specifically relate to the appropriateness and efficiency of imaging services, including both the quality and cost of imaging services. Measures were submitted by various entities including the ACR/AMA Physician Consortium for Performance Improvement (PCPI) Radiology Workgroup, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
Of the 21 measures reviewed by the Outpatient Imaging Efficiency Steering Committee (which included several radiologists), eight measures were endorsed by NQF. Three of the measures are included in PQRI in 2009 and four measures are included in the Hospital Outpatient Quality Data Reporting Program.
Click the link below to see the list of measures.