ABSTRACT
Most definitions of population health include improved patient health, reduced inpatient stays and proce- dures, holistic care of the entire population of a country, and a general approach to improve the quality of healthcare. However, there seems to be no mention of payment for services and resources for reimbursement. The term population health can be considered a philosophy of a new model of healthcare based upon future expectations from current laws and studies from the federal government, most notably through the ACA, and healthcare organizations. Radiology departments may perform fewer procedures in the future and receive less money for these complet- ed procedures. Management will need to adjust budgets and staffing to reflect changes. Radiology departments will need to continue the current trend of doing more with less.
Subject(s)
Health Care Reform/economics , Health Care Reform/legislation & jurisprudence , Population Health , Radiology/economics , Radiology/legislation & jurisprudence , Humans , Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act/economics , Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act/legislation & jurisprudence , Radiology Department, Hospital/economics , Radiology Department, Hospital/legislation & jurisprudence , United StatesABSTRACT
The department of radiology at Akron Children's Hospital embarked on a Lean Six Sigma mission as part of a hospital wide initiative to show increased customer satisfaction, reduce employee dissatisfaction and frustration, and decrease costs. Three processes that were addressed were reducing the MRI scheduling back-log, reconciling discrepancies in billing radiology procedures, and implementing a daily management system. Keys to success is that managers provide opportunities to openly communicate between department sections to break down barriers. Executive leaders must be engaged in Lean Six Sigma for the company to be successful.
