The first book-length treatment of the absolutely essential topic of U.S. health care reform for imaging specialistsThis 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 care* Anticipate new or revised standards for all imaging modalities* Suggest the more appropriate use of imaging based on the latest clinical evidence* Discuss the evolving regulations defining the training required to perform imaging procedures* Encourage career-long learning (CME, maintenance of certification, etc.)* Show fellow radiologists how to provide added value for patients and referring physiciansDeveloped 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.

Contributors, viiPreface, viii1 Health care reform: The scope of the problem, 1Richard C. Semelka, Diane Armao, and Jorge Elias Jr2 Only studies which are necessary, 6Diane Armao, Jorge Elias Jr, and Richard C. Semelka3 Radiation dose reduction, 22Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka4 Alternate imaging studies to CT, 36Jorge Elias Jr, Lauren M. B. Burke, and Richard C. Semelka5 Patient information, 64Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka6 Are we doing the right study?, 86Diane Armao, Jorge Elias Jr, and Richard C. Semelka7 Radiology medical education, 115Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka8 Quality metrics for radiology practice, 123Richard C. Semelka and Jorge Elias Jr9 Medicolegal reform, 140Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka10 Pressures on reduced compensation for clinical service, 151Jorge Elias Jr and Richard C. Semelka11 National health care systems, 159Jorge Elias Jr, Lauren M. B. Burke, and Richard C. Semelka12 Research in radiology, 170Richard C. Semelka, Michael Brand, Michael Uder, Michael A. Kuefner, John Stonestreet, and Jorge Elias JrSubject index, 195Color plate section can be found facing page 184