The first book-length treatment of the absolutely essential topic of U.S. health care reform for imaging specialists

This latest volume in the Current Clinical Imaging series offers all professionals involved with imaging a cogent, concise discussion of major issues related to health care reform from the perspective of fellow imaging specialists. It provides radiologists with a solid footing in understanding where they are now and where they can expect to be in the evolution of health care reform over the next ten years.

Presenting an excellent balance of clinical and health care policy issues,Health Care Reform in Radiology reinforces the central role of health promotion and preventive medicine in U.S. health care systems while offering an international perspective on the subject. Topical coverage includes evidence-based outcomes for health care delivery, the impact of the determination of imaging tests' effectiveness, patient safety, medicolegal reform, reimbursement issues, and universal healthcare benefits and challenges.

Health Care Reform in Radiology presents a program to:

Enhance patient safety and quality of careAnticipate new or revised standards for all imaging modalitiesSuggest the more appropriate use of imaging based on the latest clinical evidenceDiscuss the evolving regulations defining the training required to perform imaging proceduresEncourage career-long learning (CME, maintenance of certification, etc.)Show fellow radiologists how to provide added value for patients and referring physicians

Developed and written by two top experts in the field, this is an ideal book for all professionals involved with imaging as well as physician groups that depend on radiology.

Richard C. Semelka, MD, is one of the foremost authorities on MRI of the abdomen and pelvis, with six MRI text-books and over 200 peer-reviewed papers to his credit. Dr. Semelka has also authored numerous chapters and review articles on MRI of the body, and has presented his work at meetings around the world. Dr. Semelka is the Director of MR Services, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Jorge Elias, Jr, MD, PhD, is a professor in the Division of Radiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Dr. Elias was trained in Brazil and the United States and has a keen understanding of the US healthcare system in the international context.

Contributors vii

Preface viii

1 Health Care Reform: The Scope of the Problem 1
Richard C. Semelka, Diane Armao, and Jorge Elias Jr

2 Only Studies Which are Necessary 6
Diane Armao, Jorge Elias Jr, and Richard C. Semelka

3 Radiation Dose Reduction 22
Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka

4 Alternate Imaging Studies To CT 36
Jorge Elias Jr, Lauren M. B. Burke, and Richard C. Semelka

5 Patient Information 64
Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka

6 Are we Doing the Right Study? 86
Diane Armao, Jorge Elias Jr, and Richard C. Semelka

7 Radiology Medical Education 115
Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka

8 Quality Metrics for Radiology Practice 123
Richard C. Semelka and Jorge Elias Jr

9 Medicolegal Reform 140
Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka

10 Pressures on Reduced Compensation For Clinical Service 151
Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka

11 National Health Care Systems 159
Jorge Elias Jr, Lauren M. B. Burke, and Richard C. Semelka

12 Research In Radiology 170
Richard C. Semelka, Michael Brand, Michael Uder, Michael A. Kuefner, John Stonestreet and Jorge Elias Jr

Subject index 195

Color Plate Section can be Found Facing Page 184