NQF Endorses Consensus Standards to Reduce Waste and Promote Safe and Effective Use of Imaging ...(standards for imaging servicesthrough a ...),Health

Specific standards within the set encourage the appropriate use of mammography by measuring use of a patient reminder system to increase screenings for breast cancer. Other standards aim to reduce inappropriate use and patient radiation exposure by documenting the use of imaging when few symptoms are present. Measures also intend to make imaging results more helpful and accurate by removing report categories that are unclear or ambiguous, such as documenting a mammography result as "probably benign."

"Imaging is one of the most rapidly growing physician services. We have to make sure it's being done right, and only for appropriate reasons," said Levin. "These eight measures were recommended by a multispecialty panel that represented not just radiologists but many other stakeholders who believe measures will help ensure quality imaging that is done for the right reasons."

Encouraging appropriate use of outpatient imaging aligns with the priorities for healthcare reform identified by the National Priorities Partnership (NPP), a group of 28 major national organizations representing consumers, providers, practitioners, purchasers, government, accrediting and certifying organizations, quality alliances and health plans that was convened by NQF. The NPP has identified reducing waste and inappropriate use as one of the six national priorities that with goals and actions can dramatically improve healthcare.

The endorsement of this set of outpatient imaging measures is an important step by NQF, a member of the NPP, toward reducing waste and inappropriate use and improving quality in healthcare.

How to Appeal

NQF is a voluntary consensus standards-setting organization. Any party may request reconsideration of the recommendations, in who
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