Speaker: 

Speaker: Tessa Kerby, MBA MPH

Subject matter experts from Whitecap Health Advisors, a strategic advisory healthcare consulting firm, will lead an interactive discussion considering capital asset planning as a component of broader master facility planning efforts. Leaders are tasked with managing current state demands while planning for future state. For medical imaging service line leaders, this means contemplating expensive capital asset needs and considering investing in innovation and technology. While most large systems and facilities maintain facility master plans, not all perform similar planning exercises with their capital asset infrastructure. A capital asset plan should be forward-thinking and consider demand, provider availability, access, proximity of referring specialties (neurology, ENT, orthopedics, oncology, primary care), as well as demographic growth and geographic location favorability. In addition, operational considerations related to maintenance and clinician availability – at the provider, nursing, and technician levels remain key components of a planning effort. Innovation and technology advancements are priority items for most imaging leaders; capital asset plans must be flexible and adaptable to new capabilities that can advance the service lines effectiveness. Integrating these considerations, and articulating their return, is critical to obtaining leadership support in a thriving, resilient, imaging service. Audience members will provide real-time feedback and prioritization of topics via polling throughout the session.

Learning Objectives:
Consider the value of a well-developed capital asset plan.
Prioritize considerations and impact of factors that can influence a capital asset plan.
Learn from national experts on best-practices and case studies for the development of a capital asset plan.

Speakers:

• Alecia Tensley, MSHI, RT(R) (she/her/hers)

• Bailey L. Cato, MBA, RDMS, RVT (she/her/hers)

• Dustin Johnson, MBA, RT(R)(MR)

Session Description: The key focus of this session will be the importance of communication and collective decision-making across modalities, and how this collaborative approach directly enhances Breast Imaging and improves the patient care journey.
This session will provide an overview of the complexities involved in breast imaging operations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across multiple service lines and modalities.
This session will explore the use of cross-resource utilization with General Sonography to address the demand for experienced breast sonographers, as well as focus on the integration of Breast MRI services and the critical roles and dynamic relationship between the MRI department and Mammography department.
During this session, we will dive into the implementation of contrast-enhanced mammography, contrast-enhanced mammography-guided biopsies, and breast cryoablation, highlighting how these advancements in breast imaging technology are changing the landscape of patient care.

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate the broad and vital impact of breast imaging on patient care and Radiology operations
Define the importance of multimodality collaboration, intricate decision making, and empathetic dimensions of patient care in breast imaging
Provide knowledge, skills and process improvement techniques in breast imaging
Understand the most recent and innovative services offered within breast imaging and their positive effects on patient care and Radiology operations

Speaker:Tobias Gilk, MRSO, MRSE 

Session Description: The dance has begun... everyone is talking about remote scanning, but when it comes to the *specifics* of how it can be done safely, most everyone either scratches their chin, muttering "that's a very good question," or points your attention in another direction as they quickly duck out from the conversation. Our current advanced imaging staffing inequities can't be solved with 'train more people'... at least not for several years, and we have care-limiting staffing problems today! How do we solve these problems?

In this presentation, we'll walk through the scope of the challenge, rethinking and rebuilding our historic workflows. We'll start with modeling the network of responsibilities and communication pathways, describe the mechanics of new roles, map out possible workflows that provide equal (if not better) patient care, and the steps to revamping your policies, procedures, and workflow models.

Learning Objectives:
understand the various platform and application models of remote scanning... when it does & doesn't affect patient care.
identify the aspects of 'the way we've always done things' that will need to be tweaked or rebuilt for a full remote operation (FRO) model.
understand a model of communication / workflow / responsibility that will facilitate a restructuring for remote (or any other changes).

Speakers: Luis A. Carvajal, EdD, MPA, CMLSO

Session Description: The Joint Commission (TJC) is a CMS-approved accreditation organization that helps hospitals meet the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The TJC's standards are based on CMS's CoPs, and the TJC's Diagnostic Imaging standards are used to verify that hospitals meet the CoPs.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will have an understanding of the health and safety requirements to meet CMS Condition of Participation (CoP) as part of Hospitals Joint Commission Diagnostic Imaging Standards.
Upon completion, participants will know what is a CMS condition of participation in order to begin and continue participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs?
Upon completion, participants will learn which Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations may impact providers or suppliers of services?
Upon completion, participants will be able to know How Are Conditions of Participation important in healthcare?
Upon completion, participants will identify the importance of personnel, qualifications, training and regulatory requirements under Joint Commission Diagnostic Imaging Standards for Hospitals as part of CMS Condition of Participation.

Speaker: Olav Christianson

Session Description: CT imaging volumes have been steadily increasing by 8-15% annually over the past few years. This session will explore the factors driving this increase, with a focus on an analysis of over 2 million CT studies collected from hospitals nationwide between 2022 and 2024. Key contributing factors include the expansion of CT scanner availability, leading to greater patient access to imaging services, and an increase in the number of CT scans performed per patient. A significant trend identified in the data is the growing use of advanced CT applications, such as cardiac imaging. While still less common than routine CT studies like head, abdominal, and chest scans, advanced applications are growing at a faster rate. Cardiac CT, in particular, is expanding rapidly due to its critical role in diagnosing cardiovascular disease, which is prompting the need for more scanners due to the complexity and time required for these studies. This session will cover the methodology behind the data analysis, highlight the key findings, and discuss the implications of these trends for healthcare infrastructure, particularly in terms of resource management and future demand. With these expanding volumes and applications, healthcare providers must assess how to allocate resources efficiently and strategically plan for future imaging needs. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving role of CT imaging in advanced applications and its growing impact on healthcare systems.

Learning Objectives:
Identify the key factors driving the annual increase in CT imaging volumes.
Analyze the impact of expanding CT scanner availability on patient access to imaging.
Understand the growing role of advanced CT applications, such as cardiac imaging, in driving increased CT volumes.

Speaker: Fredrick D. Lee, II, Ed.D., R.T. (R)(ARRT), CRA, FACHE

Session Description: This presentation addresses the critical issue of healthcare disparities in breast cancer treatment. The study aims to elucidate the influence of self-efficacy on health behaviors and outcomes while examining the impact of race, gender, and socioeconomic class on healthcare experiences.

Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews to capture the depth and richness of the patients' narratives. Key findings highlight the importance of cultural competence, personalized imaging protocols, and equitable access to advanced imaging technologies in improving patient care.

The presentation will discuss practical applications for diagnostic imaging professionals, including strategies for enhancing patient communication, education, and empowerment. It will also emphasize the global relevance of these findings, encouraging international collaboration and adaptation of best practices to fit diverse cultural and healthcare contexts.

By integrating the insights from this study, diagnostic imaging professionals can contribute to more inclusive and patient-centric healthcare models, ultimately promoting equitable and compassionate care for all. This session aims to inspire positive changes that resonate on both individual and societal levels, fostering a more just healthcare system worldwide.

Learning Objectives:
Analyze the influence of self-efficacy on health behaviors and outcomes in women undergoing breast cancer treatment using quantitative and qualitative data from the study.
Evaluate the impact of intersectionality, specifically race, gender, and socioeconomic class, on healthcare experiences, identifying variations in the quality of care, communication, access to resources, and overall satisfaction.
Apply cultural competence principles and personalized imaging protocols in diagnostic imaging practices to improve patient communication, education, and empowerment for women.
Synthesize best practices and strategies for addressing healthcare disparities in breast cancer treatment.

Speaker: Ashley M. Perkins, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(MR)

Session Description: When you hear the acronyms JTC, ACHC, or ACR, do you feel a sense of overwhelming pressure? Does the accreditation process leave you sleepless? Do you feel like many accreditation pieces are out of your control, yet you are held accountable? As medical imaging leaders, we recognize the value of obtaining and maintaining accreditation. Without these accreditations, imaging operations may not be viable. We also know the hurry-up and get ready process is daunting to staff and leaders. This presentation will discuss many ideas to create a better accreditation environment. It will tell the story of a healthcare system’s journey from a stressful preparation cycle to a constant state of readiness. Attendees will explore ways to overcome the pressure of accreditation by establishing a state of constant readiness through meaningful changes.
Learning Objectives:
Explore ways to streamline your current state into a state of constant readiness through sustainable changes.
Define the value of working with stakeholders and key players to ensure support.
Discuss tools to aid in constant readiness.
Recognize how a change in leadership shifted the culture surrounding the accreditation process.

Speakers:

• Alexander M. Pinto, EdD, FACHE
• Carly Nicholson, RDMS

Session Description: As health centers and imaging centers continue to seek improved operational performance, a wide array of data and information is available. Through this presentation, we will examine the breadth of data sources available, demonstrate techniques to manage data through business intelligence, explore the relationship of leading and lagging performance indicators to performance, and share multiple real examples of health system outcomes from operations data.

Among the data sources explored will be RIS, EHR, and billing data, each of which offers unique insights into performance management. We will discuss the available benchmarks and related benchmarking methodologies for these data sources. Live examples of business intelligence and data reporting options will be shared to help boost attendee engagement in data management and to demonstrate what is possible for advanced data interpretation.

Finally, using example health system projects, we will show how data can be translated into performance improvement projects to grow volume, drive efficiency, and improve access to imaging care.

Learning Objectives:
describe the range of available data sources and benchmarks related to diagnostic imaging performance
lead internal planning around diagnostic imaging analytics, including specific analyses related to asset utilization, volume development, and access to imaging care.
interpret data and analytics and translate performance indicators into operational performance improvement opportunities.
build engagement internally with executives in their own organization to create engagement and a call to action around improved data analytics for imaging and related performance improvement opportunities.

Speakers:

• Nick Avossa
• Zack Harman

Session Description: Experience an Imagining Center's transformative journey to fully paperless operations This session will explore the implementation process, key challenges, and the operational benefits of adopting electronic forms into the entire patient and operational journey in an outpatient setting. In this session we will describe efficiency gains, cost reductions, and improvements to the patient experiences, with real-world insights and lessons learned. The session includes a 40-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A to answer your questions and share actionable strategies.

Learning Objectives:
Understand Implementation Strategies: Gain a step-by-step understanding of transitioning to electronic forms, overcoming change management hurdles, and addressing common operational challenges.
Evaluate Operational Benefits: Analyze measurable improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and patient satisfaction resulting from paperless adoption.
Adopt Best Practices: Learn actionable strategies for successful implementation, including staff training and process standardization.
Plan for the future by continuing to strive for efficiency once paperless.