Quality--a radiology imperative: report of the 2006 Intersociety Conference.

Recent publications by the Institute of Medicine have pointed out the many medical errors that occur and the adverse effect of those errors on patient outcomes. These errors are often the result of problems within our health care systems. In an effort to improve patient care outcomes, many health care providers have developed improved policies and practices. Third-party payers are encouraging participation in quality efforts through a variety of mechanisms, including pay for performance, pay for participation, and the creation of centers of excellence. If the quality of health care is to be improved and monitored, appropriate metrics must be developed. Such metrics must be within the control of providers, measurable, and likely to improve patient outcomes. The participants of the 2006 Intersociety Conference developed 49 metrics, which are offered for adoption by health care networks, payers, and regulation agencies.