Streamlining Throughput with the Implementation of a CT Coordinator

Imaging departments today are challenged with streamlining processes to keep up with advancements in healthcare, the increasing complexity of imaging studies and procedures, and bundling of charges for services rendered. Ordering providers are often required to get insurance pre-authorizations for imaging orders, and what is pre-authorized must be the study/procedure performed or reimbursement is not guaranteed. Insurance companies have inhibited radiologists from providing optimal service by placing restrictions on changing orders per radiologist protocol to best meet the individual needs of each patient. Many healthcare systems that are using a central scheduling model are losing money due to scans and procedures being inappropriately ordered and pre-authorized. Implementing a computed tomography (CT) coordinator can streamline throughput of imaging services in radiology departments. The CT improvement project described here used a Lean methodology Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach to increase the effectiveness of an organization's ability to maximize process efficiency and revenue.