Closing the Loop on Unexpected Findings
Design and implementation of a Radiology Patient Navigator Program
By Duke Health Department of Radiology, Fides Regina Schwartz, MD
The October/November issue of Radiology Business Journal.
Duke Radiology emphasizes the need to close the loop on communicating unexpected findings on imaging exams. And the importance of radiologists taking on a leadership role in solving this problem.
Their model requires significant radiologists time at the point of image interpretation and reporting. It also requires a substantial full time employee commitment so that navigators can see the unexpected findings to an acceptable end point.
Their goal:
“…..provide other radiology departments with a blueprint to implement (the same) mechanisms for closed-loop communication.”
At radloop, we applaud Dukes efforts. It sheds light on a problem that we have solved in a fast, efficient and inexpensive way with no burden on the radiologist.
