Travel time to breast imaging services in United States varies dramatically by modality

Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI - or a combination of these examinations - are critical in detecting, diagnosing, and characterizing the extent of breast cancer. Furthermore, evidence suggests that travel time to breast imaging facilities may influence women's utilization of breast cancer treatment. This study found that the travel time to breast imaging services in the United States varies dramatically by modality and by population subgroup, with breast MRI having the longest travel times.

The Scope and Distribution of Imaging Services at Critical Access Hospitals

Amir A. Khaliq, PhD, Eugene Nsiah, MSc, Nadia H. Bilal, ScM, Danny R. Hughes, PhD, Richard Duszak Jr, MD

An overall scarcity of access to imaging services exists at designated critical access hospitals (CAHs) throughout the United States; the most widely available of all imaging services, mammography, ultrasound, and CT, are available in all CAHs in only 13 percent, 33 percent, and 56 percent of all states, respectively.

Auditing a Breast MRI Practice: Performance Measures for Screening and Diagnostic Breast MRI

Bethany L. Niell, MD, PhD, Sara C. Gavenonis, MD, Tina Motazedi, BA, Jessica Cott Chubiz, MS, Elkan P. Halpern, PhD, Elizabeth A. Rafferty, MD, Janie M. Lee, MD, MSc

In this study, the authors analyzed performance measures for breast MRI and identified significant differences in cancer detection rate, abnormal interpretation rate, and positive predictive values, when stratified by screening and diagnostic indications.

Case Studies in Clinical Practice Management: How a Culture of "Commitment to Respect" Enhances Quality of Care and Patient Satisfaction

Scott D. Flamm, MD, MBA, Carl Creagh, MS (OD), Jack Gray, MBA, Patrick O'Keefe, MD, Frank Ricaurte, MD, Jean Triner, MA

Research has shown that treating people with respect enables people to perform to the best of their ability. A multidisciplinary team at Cleveland Clinic's Imaging Institute developed guidelines to improve communication among the radiologists, nurses, technologists, and administrative personnel and, in the process, to enhance teamwork, increase employee satisfaction, and ultimately improve patient care and satisfaction.