ACR Support

This guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough of ACR DIR Knowledge Base articles to help new users learn how to use the ACR DIR-CT module.

What is the DIR-CT?

1. Learn about the ACR’s National Radiology Data Registry (NRDR), Dose Index Registry (DIR), and DIR Computed Tomography (CT).

How can the DIR-CT be useful?

1. Learn how to maximize the value of your participation in the ACR DIR through this introductory video and webinar recording.

2. Review various examples on how to use NRDR data in the Publications Portal Page.

3. Understand the benefits for participating in the NRDR for Clinicians and relevant ABR PQI Activities.

4. Promote your facility’s commitment to measures-driven excellence using resources in the DIR Marketing Toolkit.

How should I utilize the DIR-CT?

1. Become familiar with the DIR Startup Guide.

2. Review the Clinical Performance Measures and Data Field Tags used in the DIR-CT.

3. Understand how to perform Data Submission and Data Quality Checks.

4. Review the following resources to learn about exam name mapping:

   • Exam Name Mapping: Resource Guide and an overview of the Mapping Tool's Features

   • How to Use the Exam Name Mapping Tool and functions for mapping multiple exams

   • Exam and Procedure Name Mapping: Participant tips for maintenance and a DIR Mapping Webinar recording

5. Know how to reach out to NRDR Support for help.

What do the DIR-CT reports provide?

1. Familiarize yourself with Available DIR Reports and learn about recent changes to DIR reports.

2. The Executive Summary Report is available for download as a PDF every quarter. It compares your site’s performance to the entire registry for the DIR’s ten highest volume adult and pediatric exams and presents boxplots for a snapshot of your performance. Learn about this report’s features.

3. The CT Standardized Dose Index Report uses an interactive database that allows you to analyze your facility’s data with tools such as scatterplots over time, box plots by scanner, and more. This report can be used to identify outliers, find missing data or gaps in data transmissions, and highlight patterns for further investigation. Learn about this report’s features and review how to navigate data to gain performance insights.

4. The CT Administrative Aggregate Report uses an interactive database that provides insights about how a facility's performance compares with the registry and with various peer groups. It is also useful for establishing site-specific radiation dose targets, identifying opportunities for performance improvement, and assessing performance results after implementing changes. Learn more about this report’s features in this article and video.

5. The CT Facility Comparison Report uses an interactive database that provides insight into Corporate Account and Facility performance as compared to the registry as a whole for the dose indices' measures. Learn more about this report’s features in this article and video, and learn how to use the dashboard to create a report for download in this video.

6. The CT Summary of Data Submitted Report provides summary counts of exams by RPID, Study Description, Scanner, Facility, and Date Added to the registry. Learn more about this report.

7. The DIR Leapfrog Report helps facilities participating in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey complete their survey. Learn more about navigating the report and its features in this article and video.

8. The Exam Detail Report provides CT and Radiography exam level detail on patient exams, irradiation events, date, and time, for the user to troubleshoot outliers. Learn more about this report.

How should I use the DIR-CT reports?

1. Learn how to use the CT Administrative Aggregate Report to monitor and analyze performance in this webinar recording.

2. Learn how to use the CT Facility Comparison Report to compare your dose performance with peers in this webinar recording.