NRDR Publications Highlights

The NRDR publications featured below provide insight into a broad range of topics related to the practice of radiology, e.g., improvements and gaps in care delivery, opportunities for quality improvement and information about clinical practice helpful for radiology practice leaders and policy makers.

Recent Publications

From the National Mammography Database

An NMD study conducted in collaboration with the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute describes the most influential radiologist characteristics impacting mammography interpretive performance. The study authors found they were geography, breast sub-specialization, performance of diagnostic mammography, and performance of diagnostic ultrasound.

From the CT Colonography Registry

A study, based on data from the 新澳门六合彩官网 National CT Colonography Registry, concludes the number of screening CTC exams decreased after age 65. This is likely due, at least in part, to lack of Medicare coverage. The study, published in the J新澳门六合彩官网®, also indicates a large impact on minority patients.

From the Dose Index Registry

新澳门六合彩官网® (新澳门六合彩官网®) Dose Index Registry diagnostic reference levels for common pediatric CT scans can help imaging facilities and providers optimize radiation dose used in children’s imaging. The radiation dose benchmarks were published in a study in Radiology.

An analysis of data from the Dose Index Registry (DIR) demonstrates the effect of COVID-19 on reducing the number of US CT exams performed, reflecting delayed and deferred care, especially in states with greater unemployment. Despite rising positive COVID-19 tests, the analysis published online October 21, 2020 in the J新澳门六合彩官网® suggests partial recovery of CT volume has occurred.

Tracking of US CT volume across the 2,398 DIR participating practices continues as presented in the graph below.

Performed vs. Expected US CT Volume: An Analysis of DIR Data from 2020 to Current Week

The comparison graph of performed (blue line) vs. expected (orange line) CT volumes from 2,195 radiology practices is updated weekly starting in January 2020. Expected CT volumes are based on 2019 data with an assumed 3% growth rate. Actual CT volumes are for facilities participating in the DIR since January 2019.