The American College of Radiology (ACR) is inviting radiologists and other stakeholders to comment on a new clinical quality process measure targeting imaging reports in post‐treatment head and neck cancer surveillance.
The measure is intended to reduce unwarranted variation and promote timely, targeted follow‐up after head and neck cancer treatment, according to the ACR Metrics Committee. Specifically, the invitation to comment is to assess whether radiology reports include a dedicated section documenting the primary site and lymph nodes using Neck Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (NI-RADS) categories or similar terminology, as well as an impression with corresponding recommendations.
A March 3 draft explains that the measure seeks to standardize the two report elements and that the approach aligns with current CT, PET/CT, and MRI recommendations -- including evidence for the central role of postcontrast MRI where appropriate.
The ACR committee plans to submit the measure to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for consideration as a new Qualified Clinical Data Registry (QCDR) measure. The deadline to review the draft and complete the survey is April 3.
Find the survey and more information here.
![Axial images from unenhanced calcium score cardiac CT (left) and curved planar reformation images from CT angiography (right) show that higher long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with greater coronary artery calcium and more obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Top row: Images in a 68-year-old male patient with higher 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (7.9 μg/m3 for particulate matter measuring ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5] and 17.4 parts per billion [ppb] for NO2) with extensive CAD (coronary artery calcium score [CACS] >1,000 and obstructive CAD [≥70% diameter stenosis]). Bottom row: Images in a 57-year-old female patient with lower 10-year mean ambient air pollution exposure (6.3 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 4.6 ppb for NO2) with no CAD (CACS = 0 and no obstructive stenosis).](https://img.auntminnie.com/mindful/smg/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/06/hanneman.r6SMLzkezo.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=2&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
