Radiology Management

This article is a review of the literature on Lean and Lean Management Systems and how they have been implemented in healthcare organizations and particularly in radiology departments. The review focuses on the elements required for a successful implementation of Lean by applying the principles of a Lean Management System instead of a Lean tools-only approach. This review shares the successes and failures from healthcare organizations' efforts to improve the quality and safety of the services they provide. There are a limited number of healthcare organizations in the literature who have shared their experiences and additional research is necessary to determine whether a Lean Management System is a viable alternative to the current management structure in healthcare...

Internally promoting clinical staff members into management positions is often a wise organizational strategy. Although there are advantages in doing such, there are also a number of challenges. Newly appointed managers may need introductory management level training given technical expertise does not always equate to management expertise. Devoting time to teaching even the most basic management skills will assure a more seamless role transition for the promoted employee. Upper administration also needs to be aware that possessing clinical expertise does not always serve as a precursor to promotion...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

The imaging department can be instrumental in contributing to a healthcare facility's ability to succeed in this new era of competition. Advances in DR technology can improve patient perceptions in the imaging department by improving efficiencies and outcomes which, in turn, can ultimately bolster overall HCAHPS scores. Specific areas for improved scores by utilization of DR include nurse communication, doctor communication, pain management, and communication about medication. Value based purchasing brought with it a mandate for hospitals to track key metrics, which requires an investment in time, tools, and human resources...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

These ten items should cover many of the key issues impacting imaging. Every organization should create their own list on an annual basis and update it quarterly. Ensuring compliance with the myriad coding, reimbursement, and regulatory requirements is ongoing. Embrace the challenge, don't get discouraged and know that your efforts make a difference!

Healthcare organizations compete for employees in the same way television networks compete for new talent. Organizations also compete over experience, knowledge, and skills new employees bring with them. Organizations that can acclimate a new employee into the social and performance aspects of a new job the quickest create a substantial competitive advantage. Onboarding is the term used for orientation or organizational socialization where new employees acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors to fit in with a new company...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Imaging departments today are challenged with streamlining processes to keep up with advancements in healthcare, the increasing complexity of imaging studies and procedures, and bundling of charges for services rendered. Ordering providers are often required to get insurance pre-authorizations for imaging orders, and what is pre-authorized must be the study/procedure performed or reimbursement is not guaranteed. Insurance companies have inhibited radiologists from providing optimal service by placing restrictions on changing orders per radiologist protocol to best meet the individual needs of each patient...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

The OhioHealth Lung Cancer Screening Program is a high quality multi-disciplinary program that was launched in July 2013 at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, and OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. With the assistance of the AHRA & Toshiba Putting Patients First grant, we were able to expand community access for people at high risk of developing lung cancer by opening several more programs at OhioHealth Marion General and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospitals...

At the University of Wisconsin Madison Department of Radiology, CT protocol management requires maintenance of thousands of parameters for each scanner. Managing CT protocols is further complicated by the unique configurability of each scanner. Due to recent Joint Commission requirements, now all CT protocol changes must be documented and reviewed by a site's CT protocol optimization team. The difficulty of managing the CT protocols was not in assembling the protocols, but in managing and implementing changes...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

Leaders know how to achieve goals and inspire people along the way. While the terms and definitions may change with the times, it is important to understand the skills and abilities needed to lead in the 21st century. Most effective leaders have one element in common, and that is they are able to keep their teams engaged. If team members are not engaged, they may very well leave the organization. With four generations in the workplace, leaders must adapt and modify their leadership style in order to maintain employee engagement...