1: Stringent radiologist hiring practices
Since January 2009, our hiring has had a focus on subspecialty training and our new hires have an average of 9 years post-certification experience.
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A robust Quality Assurance (QA) Program has been the foundation of vRad quality since we developed our program in 2004; our practice integrates peer review, standardized monitoring of quality metrics, and active clinical oversight and management to ensure we are delivering quality patient care.
We believe these best practices, along with our patented and proprietary workflow assignment technology, generate more accurate reads and faster turnaround times.
We define quality by accuracy and efficiency: accuracy of radiologic interpretations and efficiency that meets clients’ needs and expedites time to diagnosis and treatment.
Accuracy
We are proud of the high accuracy rate we have maintained even as our volume of studies continues to increase. The consistency of our accuracy has remained noteworthy at 99.7%.
Efficiency
vRad has consistently maintained average emergent turnaround times (TAT) of under 30 minutes, even faster for studies such as Stroke and Trauma utilizing our specialized protocols. Current average turnaround times:
vRad’s patented workflows — including custom protocols for stroke and trauma cases — and our 24/7/365 U.S.-based Operations Center team members — who minimize operational and administrative distractions for our physicians — are key to our turnaround time performance.
Accuracy: Improving quality through process and culture
With the introduction of our industry-leading QA Program, we have been driving a culture of quality improvement based on five key elements.
Five key elements of vRad’s quality culture:
1: Stringent radiologist hiring practices
Since January 2009, our hiring has had a focus on subspecialty training and our new hires have an average of 9 years post-certification experience.
2: Subspecialist utilization
vRad’s patented rules-based, auto-routing technology assigns studies to the right radiologist. In addition, all vRad radiologists can consult in real time with any colleague on difficult or rare cases by simultaneously viewing / discussing on synchronized monitors.
Why use subspecialists?
3. vRad Quality Assurance Program
Philosophy — vRad maintains the highest professional standards for its radiologists by employing a stringent QA Program. The program is under the direction of a vRad medical director and the director of QA who also provide clinical leadership and manage the QA Committee. The QA Committee is comprised of practicing vRad radiologists who encompass a wide range of subspecialties and are selected because of their demonstrated high quality of interpretations.
4. Performance Review and Accountability — vRad’s QA Committee
Dr. Julie Shaffrey is the director of vRad’s Quality Assurance Program and a practicing member of the vRad radiology staff with expertise in emergency radiology. Dr. Shaffrey received her undergraduate degree at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia and her medical degree at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. She served her internship at Sinai Hospital in Baltimore and completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at Johns Hopkins.
5. vRad’s Quality Assurance Client Portal
QA Client portal and reporting
vRad’s convenient, easy-to-use online client portal for reporting and tracking suspected discrepancies was designed to maximize participation, driving a stronger overall QA Program. Using vRad’s portal clients can:
To find out more about our Quality Assurance Program contact us.
3600 Minnesota Drive
Suite 800
Edina, MN 55435
