HOUSTON–(BUSINESS
WIRE)–Approximately one-third of all high-tech imaging performed in the United States
proves medically unnecessary. Specialty benefits management provider HealthHelp
announced today the launch of a new program designed to reduce unnecessary
radiation exposure and to promote cost-effective treatment planning for the
best possible outcome. The education-based program targets emergency
departments in particular, where utilization remains high because of defensive
medicine practices and a lack of standardized high-tech imaging protocols.
The Emergency Medicine Program will work to improve ordering
patterns of emergency department physicians. Participants will learn more about
radiation exposure and the potential harm associated with high-tech imaging, as
well as about the best uses for the technology and the importance of timing in
relation to patient management. The program will focus on five indications
commonly handled in the emergency department.
“This program will help emergency department physicians
determine the right test to order to obtain the necessary clinical information,
resulting in a more accurate diagnosis that will positively impact patient
management and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure,” explained HealthHelp
president and CEO Cherrill Farnsworth. “As with any quality/safety initiative,
the reduced cost to the hospital system or health plan will result in savings.”
Physicians will earn continuing medical education (CME)
credits for their participation in the program.
The Emergency Medicine Program joins HealthHelps existing
suite of innovative and successful specialty benefits management programs for
radiology, cardiology, and oncology. To learn more visit http://www.healthhelp.com/specialties/.
About HealthHelp®
HealthHelp, a leader in specialty benefits management, generates significant
savings and return on investment for health care payers by enhancing physician
knowledge, improving quality of care, and reducing unnecessary radiation
exposure. Each of its programs addresses a different aspect of radiology,
cardiology, oncology, emergency medicine, musculoskeletal, and sleep care. The
clients of Houston-based HealthHelp administer local, statewide, and national
health care plans across the country. For more information about HealthHelps
programs, visit http://www.healthhelp.com.
Posted by Sean Fenske, Editor-in-Chief, MDT
