Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program

This page contains information about the Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program.

The Department of Health and Ageing allocated $21.4 million under the Diagnostic Imaging Quality Practice Program (DIQPP) initiative to improve the quality of diagnostic imaging services and to recognise the contribution made by the radiology and nuclear medicine industries towards improvement in the quality of services. The DIQPP funding has been provided in recognition of the contribution of the radiology and nuclear medicine industries to the management of their Memoranda of Understanding (2003-08) by reimbursing unspent funds through grants of between $500 and $18,500.

The amount of grant provided depended on the amount of Medicare-eligible radiology and/or nuclear medicine services conducted in 2007-08. Practices that provided such services in 2007-08 and continued to provide these services beyond this timeframe were eligible to receive a grant under the DIQPP.

To access the grant, practices completed a simple application form and nominated how they intended to use the grant to improve the quality of their services. Options included:

• Investments in IT systems – e.g. introducing patient management software, or image storage infrastructure.
• Investments in capital infrastructure – e.g. assisting with purchasing new equipment or upgrading current equipment (including computers, monitors, imaging equipment etc.).
• Investment in facilities – e.g. upgrades and refurbishments to patient areas.
• Developing workforce – e.g. up-skilling or training staff.
• Compliance activities – e.g. participation in the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme, preparation of radiation safety plans, equipment compliance activities.
• Other (must be directed to improve the quality of services).
• Funding under the DIQPP was available for the 2008-09 and 2009-10 financial years only. The program will be fully expended by 30 June 2010 and will not continue beyond the 2009 10 financial year.