Dose Optimization Programs
With accreditation bodies, regulatory bodies, members of the public, facility staff and others worried more and more every day about radiation doses from medical imaging procedures, it is essential that your hospital, imaging center or private practice look at this issue seriously and ensure that it is reducing doses as much as possible. But how do you know if the radiation dose from your CT, fluoroscopy or radiography protocols is as low as possible while still providing excellent diagnostic images? How do members of the public know that they are protected properly and that they can trust your site with themselves or their children? What can you do to ensure that you meet the latest guidelines, regulations and standards?
Optimizing radiation dose is a complex process. To do it properly requires training of technologists, image quality consultation with radiologists, investigation of new hardware and software options and equipment, review and improvement of policies and procedures, and a host of other steps. Plus, how do you properly measure your progress, compare it to industry standards, and articulate your success to your clients, referring physicians and accreditation bodies?
While the process is complex, the answer is simple. Hire a radiation expert to set you on the right course and keep you there. Our diagnostic medical physicists are trained to evaluate the starting dose situation at a facility, draw up a multi-element plan to improve it, and then properly verify and communicate the end result. It is not enough to involve the OEM, technologist and radiologist. You need a professional who is trained in radiation dosimetry, intimately familiar with all of the relevant standards (Joint Commission, ACR, IAC, State, Federal, Image Gently, Image Wisely, California SB 1237, etc.), and can ensure that your investment in time and money to address this important issue is spent wisely. To reduce dose, you have to consider numerous questions: Should you upgrade your scanners with new dose reduction features? Would it be better to invest in dose monitoring software? Are all of your protocols optimized and if not, how exactly do you ensure that they are? Are all your staff trained in dose optimization?
West Physics leads the medical physics industry in providing turn-key CT, fluoroscopy and radiography Dose Reduction Programs to facilities that measure doses, lower doses, help you make optimal decisions about new equipment or software, train staff, and provide information to your patients and staff about what has been done to keep them safe. In many cases, expensive scanner upgrades are NOT what is needed to reduce your doses – what is needed is proper patient dose tracking and analysis, protocol optimization and staff training. Let us help you put all the pieces together.
Our Dose Reduction Programs include the following elements:
- Dose and Image Quality Testing
- Protocol Optimization
- Dose Action Level Setup
- Dose-related Policies and Procedures (P&P) Review and Feedback
- Participation in JC- and State-required Protocol Review Committees
- Technologist and Radiologist Dose Awareness and Reduction Training
- Dose Strategy Consultation
- Dose Reduction Certificate
- Patient Dose Reduction Brochure
- Staff Q&A Session and Training Checkups
- Annual Dose and Image Quality Retesting
- Annual Dose Reduction Review
- Ongoing Protocol Refinement and Dose Action Level Checkups
- Ongoing consultation
Special Note: As part of our dose reduction programs, we are also pleased to provide expert setup, maintenance and oversight of customer dose tracking software packages. Our staff is experienced at working with Bayer Radimetrics, GE DoseWatch, PACSHealth DoseMonitor, and many more! Let a radiation safety professional help you manage your dose tracking and reduction program optimally, and in full compliance with the latest Joint Commission and ACR guidelines.
All of these elements add up to a simple, turn-key comprehensive Dose Reduction Program that will put your facility on solid footing with respect to dose reduction and ensure that you are taking the right steps to lower doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dose optimization in medical imaging is the process of ensuring that patients receive the lowest radiation dose necessary to achieve diagnostic-quality images. At West Physics, we believe in striking a critical balance between image quality and patient safety. This involves tailoring imaging protocols based on patient size, clinical indication, and equipment capabilities while adhering to the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle. Through advanced testing, protocol review, and staff training, we help healthcare facilities reduce unnecessary exposure without compromising diagnostic effectiveness.
At West Physics, we provide comprehensive physics support for a wide range of medical imaging modalities. These include:
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Digital Radiography (DR) and Computed Radiography (CR)
- Mammography (including 2D, 3D Tomosynthesis, and DBT)
- Nuclear Medicine (including SPECT and PET)
- Ultrasound
- Fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiology
- Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
- Mobile Imaging Units
Our board-certified medical physicists are trained across all modalities to ensure compliance, safety, image quality, and regulatory readiness for your facility, whether hospital-based, outpatient, or mobile.
Are you interested in a particular service area or facility type? Contact us.
Yes. At West Physics, our radiation safety services include comprehensive dose management for both patients and healthcare workers. For patients, we focus on dose optimization strategies, imaging protocol review, analyzing dose index metrics, and compliance with regulatory dose limits to minimize unnecessary exposure while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. For occupational dose management, we offer personnel dosimetry program support, shielding evaluations, dose monitoring audits, and staff training to ensure that all personnel remain within safe exposure limits and fully compliant with state and federal regulations.
Our goal is to create a culture of safety across your entire imaging environment—protecting both the people receiving care and those providing it.
At West Physics, we use a comprehensive set of data sources to analyze and optimize radiation dose effectively. These include:
- Dose metrics from imaging equipment, such as CTDIvol, DLP, SSDE, air kerma, and DAP
- Patient demographic and exam information, including age, size, and clinical indication
- Imaging protocol parameters, such as kVp, mAs, pitch, slice thickness, and scan length
- Dose monitoring system data (e.g., from ACR DIR or third-party software)
- Comparison to national benchmarks and diagnostic reference levels (DRLs)
- Historical dose trends and image quality assessments
- Occupational dosimetry reports for technologists and radiologists
- Regulatory limits and accreditation standards (e.g., ACR, TJC, MQSA)
We use this data to perform in-depth analyses, identify opportunities for dose reduction, and implement protocol adjustments without sacrificing diagnostic quality. Our team ensures your facility meets both safety goals and compliance obligations.
Yes. West Physics specializes in providing seamless support that integrates with your existing imaging systems, software platforms, and operational workflows. Whether you use proprietary imaging systems or third-party dose monitoring solutions, our physicists and technical experts work directly with your team and vendors to ensure compatibility and smooth data access.
We have extensive experience collaborating with leading OEMs and software providers to retrieve dose data, assess protocol performance, and implement improvements without disrupting clinical operations. Our approach is vendor-neutral, scalable, and tailored to your specific environment, whether it’s a single site or a large healthcare network.
At West Physics, regulatory and accreditation compliance is a cornerstone of our radiation safety and medical physics services. We ensure compliance through:
- Routine and on-demand equipment testing per state, federal, and accrediting body standards (e.g., ACR, TJC, MQSA, NRC, FDA, and state health departments)
- Detailed documentation and reporting tailored to meet inspection and audit requirements
- Protocol reviews and optimization in alignment with current clinical guidelines and dose reference levels
- Annual physicist evaluations and quality control reviews
- Radiation safety program development and audits
- On-site and remote staff training to reinforce best practices and compliance responsibilities
- Real-time regulatory updates—we stay ahead of changes to ensure you’re never caught off guard
Our board-certified medical physicists not only identify compliance gaps but work closely with your team to address them proactively, helping you maintain uninterrupted operations and accreditation status.
At West Physics, we offer both one-time services and ongoing programs, depending on your facility’s needs.
- One-time services include equipment commissioning, initial dose assessments, regulatory compliance evaluations, and specific optimization projects
Ongoing programs involve regular monitoring, quality control testing and dose optimization training and support, to maintain continuous compliance with evolving regulations and accreditation standards. These services are designed to ensure sustained safety and operational excellence
Many of our clients opt for ongoing programs, as they ensure long-term radiation safety, allow for proactive troubleshooting, and guarantee that imaging protocols and dose management practices remain up-to-date.
Would you like a custom proposal outlining the benefits of either option for your facility? Contact us.
By partnering with West Physics, you can expect several measurable improvements in your radiation safety and imaging practices, including:
- Reduced radiation dose: Through optimization of imaging protocols and equipment settings, we help you minimize patient exposure while maintaining diagnostic image quality. Many clients see a measurable reduction in CTDIvol, DLP, and other dose metrics, often exceeding 20-30% for certain exams
- Improved image quality: Through careful analysis and protocol adjustments, we ensure that the diagnostic quality of images meets or exceeds clinical requirements, often leading to better diagnostic outcomes and fewer repeat exams
- Enhanced regulatory compliance: With our ongoing support, you can achieve 100% compliance with state and federal radiation safety regulations, accreditation standards (e.g., ACR, TJC, MQSA), and dose limits for both patients and staff
- Optimized operational efficiency: Our services help streamline workflows and improve protocol consistency, leading to reduced delays, fewer equipment-related issues, and more efficient use of imaging resources
- Better staff safety: With robust occupational dose monitoring and training, staff radiation exposure is reduced, ensuring your team stays well within regulatory limits and enhancing their overall safety
- Cost savings: By optimizing imaging protocols and improving operational efficiency, many of our clients experience cost savings due to fewer repeat exams, reduced unnecessary imaging, and better resource utilization
These improvements are tracked and reported through our detailed analysis and regular reporting to provide you with clear, actionable data.
Would you like a tailored analysis of how these improvements could specifically benefit your facility? Contact us.
Yes, at West Physics, we provide comprehensive reports and documentation to support both internal and external audits. Our reports are thorough, clear, and designed to meet the requirements of regulatory bodies and accreditation organizations.
Key features of our documentation include:
- Detailed test results and findings for equipment performance, including radiation dose measurements and imaging quality assessments
- Compliance checklists that ensure your facility meets state, federal, and accrediting body standards (e.g., ACR, TJC, MQSA, NRC)
- Dose optimization documentation showing improvements in dose reduction and image quality
- Protocol reviews and adjustments with clear recommendations and follow-up actions
- Personnel dosimetry reports for occupational dose monitoring
- Training records to verify staff education and competency on radiation safety best practices
These reports are provided in a format that aligns with audit requirements, and we can also offer consultation and guidance during the audit process to ensure a smooth experience.
Would you like to see a sample report or discuss specific audit requirements for your facility? Contact us.
Yes, training for staff is a key component of the services we offer at West Physics. We believe that effective radiation safety and dose optimization rely not only on the right equipment and protocols but also on educating and empowering your team.
Our training services include:
- Radiation Safety Training: Tailored sessions for radiologists, technologists, and other imaging staff, focusing on radiation protection principles, ALARA practices, and specific protocol optimization
- Dose Management and Optimization Training: We provide education on how to monitor and adjust imaging protocols for patient safety, with a focus on achieving the right balance between image quality and dose reduction
- Regulatory Compliance Training: Sessions to ensure staff are up-to-date on local, state, and federal radiation safety regulations and accreditation requirements
- Occupational Safety Training: Focused on minimizing staff exposure, including proper use of dosimeters, personal protective equipment (PPE), and minimizing unnecessary fluoroscopy time
Training can be conducted on-site, virtually, or as a mix of both, depending on your facility’s needs. Ongoing support and refresher courses are available to ensure your team stays current with evolving safety practices and technologies.
Would you like to schedule a specific training session for your staff, or get more information on available training modules? Contact us.
The cost of our services at West Physics is tailored to the specific needs of your facility. We offer flexible pricing based on factors such as:
- The size and scope of your facility (single site vs. multi-site networks)
- The number of imaging modalities in use (CT, MRI, mammography, etc.)
- The type and frequency of services required (one-time optimization vs. ongoing support)
- The level of compliance and audit support needed
- Customization of training programs and other specific needs
We provide a detailed quote after an initial consultation, where we assess your facility’s requirements, the types of imaging equipment you use, and your compliance goals.
Our goal is to offer cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable improvements in both patient safety and operational efficiency.
Would you like to schedule a consultation to receive a customized quote for your facility? Contact us.
Yes, at West Physics, we provide ongoing support after the initial implementation to ensure that your facility maintains optimal performance and continues to meet all regulatory and accreditation requirements. Our ongoing services include:
- Routine Quality Control (QC) Testing and periodic assessments to ensure equipment remains calibrated and optimized
- Dose Optimization Adjustments as needed to respond to new technologies, imaging protocols, or changes in clinical practices
- Continuous Training and Education to keep staff up-to-date on best practices and regulatory changes
- 24/7 Support for troubleshooting, answering questions, and providing expert guidance whenever needed
- Regulatory Updates and Compliance Monitoring to ensure your facility remains aligned with evolving laws and accreditation standards
- Annual or Semi-Annual Audits to proactively identify any potential issues and take corrective actions
Our ongoing support ensures that your facility continues to deliver high-quality, safe imaging while maintaining compliance over time.
Would you like to discuss specific support options or get a detailed breakdown of ongoing service packages? Contact us