New York, NY – Spreemo has announced that it is partnering with the Hospital for Special Surgery and Thomas Jefferson University in a first-of-its-kind clinical study to examine how understanding the variability in the interpretation of MRIs across multiple radiology centers can meaningfully impact the trajectory of a patient’s care.
Under the direction of Principal Investigator Richard Herzog, M.D., Director of Spinal Imaging at the Hospital for Special Surgery and Adam Flanders, M.D., Co-Director of Neuroradiology at Thomas Jefferson University, the study will consider the differences in the performance and interpretation of an MRI examination performed at ten different imaging centers on the same patient with low back and leg pain. The study is intended to meaningfully combat the widespread perception that diagnostic imaging is a commodity.
“A radiologist’s ability to deliver an accurate diagnosis is a critical first step in a patient’s care, but is highly dependent on many factors – including the equipment, the type and number of sequences obtained, and the expertise of the interpreting physician,” said Dr. Herzog. “Highlighting and explaining these complexities is key to empowering patients in making informed healthcare decisions.”
Spinal disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States with an estimated collective cost of more than $100 billion annually, including lost wages and reduced productivity.
“Understanding how using different imaging centers could potentially result in different diagnoses and treatment paths is essential in our efforts improve the outcomes of patients with spinal injuries,” said Spreemo co-founder and Chief Medical Officer Raz Winiarsky, M.D. “By identifying meaningful metrics around quality, we’re helping patients select the best provider for their injury or illness, while underscoring that the wrong selection can have serious consequences.”
The study is funded by Spreemo’s Quality Research Institute, which launched in November 2014 in collaboration with employers and providers to measure the impact of quality standards and best practices on patient outcomes.
Source: Spreemo