ACR launches new R-SCAN website
The American College of Radiology (ACR) launched a new website in December called R-SCAN, the Radiology Support, Communication and Alignment Network™. The R-SCAN portal (www.rscan.org) provides resources to connect radiologists and referring physicians, focus conversations on imaging appropriateness, learn more about clinical decision support (CDS) and document improvements over time. It has been funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative.
Radiologists who sign up for R-SCAN with their referring providers are guided by a step-by-step plan to improve the ordering of imaging exams based on the Choosing Wisely® campaign recommendations. Participants also gain free online access to a customized version of the ACR Select™ clinical decision support tool, the web-based version of the complete ACR Appropriateness Criteria®. Using these tools, individuals can improve the appropriateness of exams ordered and create project reports useful for implementing and quantifying changes.
Another benefit of R-SCAN is that participation also includes the ability to earn American Board of Radiology-approved Maintenance of Certification Part 4 credit. Additionally, CME credits are available both for radiologists and for referring physicians.
Max Wintermark, M.D., clinical advisor of the R-SCAN initiative and professor of radiology and chief of neurosurgery at Stanford Bio-X, an interdisplinary research organization of Stanford University, stated in a press release that “R-SCAN assists radiologists in demonstrating the value they bring to patient car, a major focus of Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act’s (MACRA’s) value-based payment structures.” These structures will significantly impact how radiologists are paid. He added that “reimbursement is increasingly directly linked to providing concrete data that demonstrate the radiologist’s role in delivering better patient care at lower costs.
The R-SCAN program aligns with the ACR Imaging 3.0TM initiative in which radiologists help referring physicians to select the best and most appropriate imaging exam, reduce the ordering of inappropriate exams, reduce errors, and help improve quality and safety. It may be accessed at www.rscan.org