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The Web-based program's secure website enables radiologists to electronically submit imaging reports that elicit scores, on a four-point scale, from other radiologists. The entire process is completed in a double-blind manner to ensure an unbiased rating. Each participant in the program is graded individually and also as part of the institution to which he or she belongs. This program provides reports that illustrate summarized data for each physician and group by modality. Participation in these programs, Dr. Sidney says, will hopefully demonstrate the "breadth and depth of CRL, and that each area has an ongoing commitment to quality." CRL's focus on producing quality inter- pretations complements a devotion to utilize the safest, most technologically advanced equipment available at its Edina Outpatient Imaging Center. Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR) allows a reduced radiation dose of as much as 40% to CT patients, without negatively affecting the image quality. This method is particularly useful for children or young adults who may be more affected by the potentially harmful effects of low levels of radiation exposure. CRL put the benefits of this technology to the test in 2011, when it participated in the ACR's Dose Index Registry (DIR). Statistics included in the ACR's 2012 biennial report showed data measuring radiation dosage was comparable or lower than regional and national averages. Excellence in Breast Imaging According to the report, breast imaging is "the most highly regulated area of radiol- ogy," and comparative data between CRL and national standards of breast imaging is a particularly good example of how specialists at CRL measure up to national averages. The authors of the report note that every site offering mammography must be certified under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), which also requires radiologists to read more than 960 mammograms during a two-year timeframe. The adage "practice makes perfect" comes to mind, and keeping with that spirit, CRL radiologists have read more than 6,290 studies from 2009 to 2011. In fact, studies demonstrate improved performance resulting from reading "large numbers of mammograms." The numbers show the difference. The "2012 Quality Report" presents statistics gathered by CRL and its partner institutions that go above and beyond information required by the MQSA. The additional information details the exact number of mammograms read by each radiologist, the number of resulting callbacks from mammographies and the number of cancers found in women who demonstrated no symptoms of breast cancer. This data was compared to national standards set by the ACR. The results showed that CRL had lower callback rates and a higher cancer detection rate than national benchmarks. In fact, in 2010, CRL breast imagers scored 50% on the "minimal cancers found on screening mammograms," much higher than the 30% benchmark set forth by the ACR. On "node negative cancers", CRL's breast imaging radiologists far exceeded the benchmark, scoring 83% compared to the 25% ACR recommendation, according to the quality report. CRL Imaging Southdale is certified by the ACR as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, and in 2010, joined the National Mammography Database (NMD). This enables CRL to see how its numbers compare with other breast centers of comparable size in the United States. The numbers show a higher cancer detection rate by CRL radiologists than averages established by the NMD. Breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsy, screening and diagnostic mam- mography are offered at CRL Imaging Southdale and The Piper Breast Center. Diagnostic studies and biopsies conducted after suspicious mammogram results are performed expeditiously to minimize the anxiety that comes with news of an abnormal test. Biopsy results are com- municated the following day, and, in the case of a positive cancer result or other finding requiring consultation, the patient's primary care physician is called so surgical care and follow-up arrangements can be made as quickly as possible. CRL Imaging Southdale was one of the first outpatient imaging centers in the CONSULTING RADIOLOGISTS, LTD. provides highly specialized expertise on site at more than 37 hospitals and clinics. In addition, more than 100 radiology departments over a multistate area use its teleradiology services. Three outpatient imaging centers, located in Edina and Plymouth, offer a wide range of specialty services to the Twin Cities area. CRL IMAGING EDINA + 3955 Parklawn Avenue, Suite 100, Edina, MN 55435, (952) 285-3720 + Services: CT, MRI, ultrasound, lung cancer screening, MR enterography, pain management and paracentesis CRL IMAGING SOUTHDALE + 6525 France Avenue South, Suite 110, Edina, MN 55435, (952) 915-4320 + Services: digital mammography, ultrasound, bone densitometry, BSGI, fluoroscopy, X-ray, breast biopsy and aspiration CRL IMAGING PLYMOUTH + 15700 37th Avenue North, Suite 100, Plymouth, MN 55446, (763) 509-4720 + Services: CT, MRI, ultrasound, pain management, X-ray Twin Cities area to offer breast-specific gamma imaging (BSGI) and molecular breast imaging (MBI). The difference between the two tests lies in the type and number of cameras used. Otherwise, the procedures are similar. According to the "2012 Quality Report," BSGI/MBI testing is performed by injecting a small amount of the molecule sestamibi, tagged with MDNEWS.COM ■ MD NEWS Twin Cities | 9

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