So I can return to our radiology department without cowering, I wanted to elaborate on this morning’s post. My focus for this morning’s blog was on cost transparency. What our pediatric radiologists emphasized to me is that quality is another key issue for patients. Everyday at our institution there are numerous CT scans, MRIs and xrays that are reviewed from outside institutions. Many of these studies were performed poorly and may not be interpretable = “total crap.” And, many of these studies were unnecessary to begin with.
A couple pointers:
- Open MRIs usually produce lousy images. They are mainly suitable for individuals too large to fit in conventional MRIs.
- MRI quality is dependent on high strength magnets. A minimal of 1.5 Tesla magnet, but preferably a 3 Tesla magnet, will produce better images.
- It is not just the radiologist that matters. If radiology techs are not certified/accomplished, then imaging results suffer. Techs may not focus CT scanners properly and produce a much wider field of radiation then is necessary.
- CT scans need to minimize radiation while producing good images. Most children’s hospitals have adopted protocols to assure that this takes place.
Radiological tests are often a ‘black box’ for families –they have no idea what is really going on. A CT scan/MRI at low quality place may be akin to a cold hamburger at a fast food restaurant whereas a study at a high quality institution may be more similar to the best steak in town. In addition, the quality of the images can truly be life altering. This is likely more of an issue in pediatrics than in adult medicine.
Bottomline: In our quest for price transparency, we also need to make sure we are truly comparing apples to apples. Highlighting value of a particular study and quality are equally important.
If any radiologists reading this post have more pointers, please comment.
Related blog posts:
gutsandgrowth 
As many readers already know, medicine is an art not a science….cost transparency may be thinking of medicine in a more scientific manner than artistic manner.