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Posted in Radiology Workflow

In radiology particularly, there is alot of discussion around workflow. Streamlining radiology workflow creates even more conversations. Where there is talk is their action? Probably not to the degree that you would think… With such a flurry of words, the important point may be lost.

In my opinion, the important point is keep it simple. For your radiology workflow:

1. Document your current workflow
2. Document what you would like your workflow to look like
3. Identify the gaps
4. Adjust the workflow to close the gaps
5. Enable the flow

A little more detail on each:

Document your current workflow. Talk to the people involved in the key steps - from schedulers, physicians, radiologists, technologists, billing professionals, etc. Get the current workflow first-hand, from the people doing the work.

Document what you would like your workflow to look like. As you talk to people, ask for ideas on how to improve. Meet with key leaders in your organization to determine objectives. Most importantly, talk to the physicians who receive the results that you deliver. Get the customer feedback!

Identify the gaps. What are the key differences between the way you do it today and the way you would like it done? Again, more importantly, what is the way your customers want it done - both patients and physicians?

Adjust the workflow to close the gaps. Not all of the gaps can be closed simply. Identify the high impact - low implementation effort items and do those first. For the others, develop a plan of how to close the gaps and continue to implement to the defined goals. Communicate your results along the way!

Enable the flow. Some activities in the workflow will require no technology. Others will require technology investments. Look for ways to automate the radiology workflow, simplify the steps, and deliver value to the people doing the work throughout the process. Look for ways to leverage technology for the improvements that enhance patient quality, enhance radiologist productivity, and deliver real service to the referring physician community.

There are many ways to improve your workflow, but the best way is to get started… with the basics.

Last 5 posts by Jon Mertz

• Corepoint Health - The Next Generation of NeoTool - April 21st, 2009
• The Role of IT in Building the Practice - January 8th, 2009
• Read Healthcare Predictions for 2009 - January 8th, 2009
• Insights - Outpatient Imaging Center CIO - October 17th, 2008
• The Road to EMR Interoperability - October 16th, 2008

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