Focusing on AI at RSNA 2024 for Enhancing Outcomes in Radiology
AI adoption in clinical radiology is growing rapidly and it was part of every conversation at the 2024 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Scientific Assembly, the world’s largest medical imaging and clinical AI conference, attracting over 40,000 attendees and 700+ vendors this year. Currently, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is on track to clear 1,000 clinical AI algorithms by end of 2024, with 80% focused on medical imaging, many of which were showcased at this year’s event. Additionally, numerous nonclinical AI applications embedded in radiology IT systems, which don't require FDA approval, were also featured, covering areas like analytics, workflow optimization, and billing support.
In an evolving healthcare landscape, automating patient follow-up processes with AI has become vital, particularly in radiology. ImagineSoftware highlighted the importance of patient engagement and follow-up, showcasing its RADNAV® system, which integrates with the ImagineOne® RCM workflow to improve patient outcomes, during a special panel discussion at RSNA 2024 hosted by Bayer called “Using AI for Patient Engagement”.
The Necessity of a Follow-Up Program
Adam Kirell, Senior Director of Business Development for RADNAV at ImagineSoftware, was a featured panelist during the event, emphasizing the critical role of follow-up programs. He notes that many practitioners may not recognize issues within their follow-up processes until faced with negative outcomes, such as lawsuits or missed diagnoses. Alarmingly, he highlights that average follow-up rates can be as low as 50%, with some practices seeing only 20% of recommended follow-ups completed. This not only impacts revenue but also poses serious health risks, reinforcing the need for effective follow-up systems.
Radiology providers should consider:
- Have you evaluated the benefits of a structured follow-up program?
- How many follow-up recommendations remain unaddressed in your practice?
- What impact could a streamlined follow-up process have on patient health?
Presenting RADNAV®
To address these challenges, RADNAV was created as a solution that integrates with ImagineOne® and other medical software systems. By automating the follow-up process, RADNAV ensures patients are not overlooked due to administrative errors or miscommunication.
How RADNAV® Works
RADNAV offers key functionalities:
- Identification of Lapsed Patients: Using AI and natural language processing, it scans radiology reports in real-time to pinpoint follow-up recommendations.
- Engagement of Patients and Care Teams: Automated multi-channel communication keeps both patients and healthcare providers informed about necessary follow-ups.
- Ensuring Continuity of Care: RADNAV provides analytics to track follow-up compliance and patient outcomes, enhancing care quality.
Real-World Impact
Kirell shares a sobering case where a practice that delayed a follow-up system experienced a tragic loss due to late-diagnosed cancer – an outcome that proper follow-up could have prevented. "RADNAV not only identifies missed follow-ups, but ensures they are acted upon, reducing liability and improving patient care,” explains Kirell.
The benefits of adopting RADNAV are substantial:
- Improved Patient Outcomes: Early detection and treatment of conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
- Increased Revenue: Recovering missed follow-ups translates into more billing opportunities.
- Reduced Liability: Enhanced communication and tracking lead to fewer malpractice claims.
By closing the loop on patient follow-up care, radiology providers can meet and exceed care standards expected by patients and regulators. Implementing advanced follow-up technology like RADNAV is essential for effective patient management in radiology.