Due to concerns surrounding CT scans and how radiation affects patients, it’s important for imaging facilities to invest in CT dose monitoring software. This investment will enable imaging facilities to practice patient care more responsibly, improve patient and referring physician satisfaction, evaluate usage and productivity, and compare their usage rates against national averages. The ACR is also a huge proponent of having a CT dose monitoring system and The Joint Commission requires it for accredited institutions. Now that California, Connecticut, and Texas have mandatory CT dose reporting requirements, I imagine it’s only a matter of time before all states will adopt something similar. I suggest staying ahead of regulations and prepare by adding CT dose monitoring to your current workflow. If that hasn’t convinced you, then here are three other reasons your center should implement CT dose monitoring software.
1. Provide Better Patient Care and Improve Patient Satisfaction
From receiving second opinions to following up on test results, patients are taking on a more active role in their healthcare than ever before. In fact, many patients have already taken the initiative to track how much radiation they receive during scans. That’s why centers that track radiation dosages can better accommodate their patients, and in-turn improve patient satisfaction and care.
2. Improve Referring Physician Satisfaction
Referrers want and need to know the amount of radiation given to their patients so they can monitor dosages and make more informed decisions when referring patients for exams. That’s why selecting a CT dose monitoring software that can automate the delivery of dose information is key. Including dose information in your diagnostic reports demonstrates efficiency and enables referrers to provide better patient care.
3. Compare against National Averages and Review of Productivity
By adopting CT dose monitoring software that anonymizes the scan info before sending to the ACR Dose Index Registry, you’ll be able to compare your usage, productivity, and number of scans against national averages and even help to achieve quality measures for increased reimbursement. The CT dose monitoring software should also offer analytical reports that you can run to review your center’s dose amounts and productivity on demand.
The CT dose monitoring software you choose should be able to add dose amounts directly into your radiology reports, allow you to compare against national averages, and help you to avoid over-radiating patients. After all, providing top notch patient care, while making a profit to keep the lights on, and expand your business is what it all comes down to in the end.
