A brief overview

This page provides a brief overview of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme as wel as programs that have contributed to quality diagnostic imaging in the recent past.

• 2010 to present Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme
• 2010 to 2014 Diagnostic Imaging Quality Program
• 2004 to 2010 Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program
• 2004 to 2008 Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging Program

Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme

• Since 2010, the quality and safety of diagnostic imaging services has been promoted through the operation of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS).
• DIAS ensures that diagnostic imaging practices meet specified standards in order to deliver Medicare-eligible services. Advice on the ongoing implementation of the DIAS was provided by the DIAS Monitoring and Implementation Committee until the expiry of the committee’s term in 2015.

Diagnostic Imaging Quality Program

In 2010 the Department of Health funded the Diagnostic Imaging Quality Program (DIQP) to deliver in priority areas such as diagnostic imaging safety and efficiency and the consumer experience. The program was ceased in 2014, with the final funded projects to be completed in 2016.

Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program

In 2004 the Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program (DIQPP) had a budget of $21.4 million with which to:

• improve the quality of diagnostic imaging services
• recognise the contributions of the radiology and nuclear medicine industries to the reallocation of unspent funds.

In order to be eligible for a grant, practices were required to complete a simple application form and to nominate how they intended to use the money to improve the quality of their services. Successful applications focused on:

• IT systems: e.g. patient management software or image storage infrastructure
• in capital infrastructure: e.g. the purchase of new equipment or the upgrade of existing equipment
• facilities: e.g. upgrades and refurbishments to patient areas
• workforce development: e.g. through up-skilling or staff training.
• compliance activities: e.g. participation in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme, preparation of radiation safety plans or equipment compliance activities

The Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program ceased operation in 2010.

Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging Program

The Quality Use of Diagnostic Imaging Program was funded between 2004 and 2008 to support improvements in quality, safety and sustainability of radiology services in Australia. The program was established under the Radiology Quality and Outlays Memorandum of Understanding and managed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR).
The program ceased operation in 2008-09.

The table below lists the successful projects and organisations and links to their project as possible.

Successful organisations	Project focus
Radlogix	Electronic Decision Support in a GP Practice
Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine	Point of Care Ultrasound Qualifications
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)	Inside Radiology—Update 2013
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)	CT Dose Optimisation
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR)	Education Modules Completion due: May 2015
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZOG)	Nuchal Translucency - Reflections on Effectiveness - Plus Due Sept 2014
Queensland Health	CT Dose Optimisation
University of Sydney / NSW Breastscreen	Evaluation of a linear feature extraction algorithm Completion due March 2018
University of Sydney	BEACH—Image Ordering by Australian GPs
Consumer Health Forum	Diagnostic Imaging and Informed Consumer Consent
Western Australia Department of Health	Diagnostic Imaging Pathways
Australian Association of Nuclear Medicine Specialists	Provision of enhanced information to referrers and patients