New program improves communication with customers and radiologists SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- NightHawk Radiology Services, the leading provider of radiology solutions to radiology groups and hospitals throughout the United States, has implemented a redesigned Quality Assurance (QA) program to foster better communication between NightHawk's radiologists and customers and to deliver superior patient care. NightHawk will be providing an overview of the new QA program in several presentations at RSNA 2009. NightHawk Radiology is in booth #1413 in the Lakeside Center Hall D at McCormick Place in Chicago. RSNA runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 3. NightHawk's new QA program is uniquely designed on continuous feedback processes. Radiologists' interpretations and reports are evaluated by customers and submitted to NightHawk for iterative review by internal and external physician review boards. A multitude of key metrics ensures the most accurate and fair quality measurements available in the industry. The QA program utilizes a highly-analytical, systematic and disciplined approach to assign physicians a monthly Medical Quality Score comprising two key measurements: report accuracy and report quality. A key tenet of the improved QA program is transparency. Customers have the opportunity to provide and receive feedback on all radiology reads provided by NightHawk physicians. Quality measurements and results will also be available to each customer by site on a monthly basis, tracking the overall performance and scores for NightHawk radiologists. "We can't simply say the word 'quality,'" said Dr. Timothy Myers, NightHawk's chief medical officer. "Quality has to be embedded in the way our radiologists practice. Our newly redesigned Quality Assurance program allows us to accurately measure our radiologists' performance and openly share that information with our customers." "NightHawk remains committed to our mission of improving the quality of patient care and the lives of the physicians who provide it," added David Engert, NightHawk's president and CEO. "This innovative and comprehensive QA program exemplifies our dedication to our customers by defining a new standard for measuring and delivering the highest level of quality interpretations in teleradiology." About NightHawk NightHawk Radiology (NASDAQ:NHWK) is leading the transformation of the practice of radiology by providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions to radiology groups and hospitals throughout the United States. NightHawk provides the most complete suite of solutions, including professional services, business services, and its advanced, proprietary clinical workflow technology, all designed to increase efficiencies and improve the quality of patient care and the lives of physicians who provide it. NightHawk's team of U.S. board-certified, state-licensed, and hospital-privileged physicians located in the United States, Australia, and Switzerland, provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to approximately 1,590 sites, representing approximately 28% of all hospitals in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.nighthawkrad.net/. "NHWKG" MEDIA CONTACTS: The Lavidge Company 480.998.2600 Elle Shelley ext. 551 Alicia Wadas ext. 533 DATASOURCE: NightHawk Radiology Services CONTACT: Elle Shelley, ext. 551, , or Alicia Wadas, ext. 533, , both of The Lavidge Company, +1-480-998-2600, for NightHawk Radiology Services Web Site: http://www.nighthawkrad.net/

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