Experience Stories

Interpreting From Multiple Facilities: The Case for a PACS-driven Workflow

Sponsored by FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas

For the first five years of its existence, Tower Saint John’s Imaging, a full-service outpatient imaging center in Santa Monica, California, that is a joint venture between Saint John’s Health Center and Tower Imaging Medical Group, used its own RIS, PACS, and speech-recognition products separate from those of Saint John’s Health Center. The same

Reimbursement Outlook for 2011: Trouble on the Way

Radisphere

On November 30, the Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act of 2010 was signed into law, delaying the 23% Medicare physician-payment cut mandated by the sustainable growth rate formula. The legislation replaced the cut with a 2.2% update through December 31, with the intention of giving Congress time to find a more permanent solution. On December

New CMS Rules Complicate Supervision and Interpretation

VMG

Recently altered CMS rules governing diagnostic-imaging supervision and interpretation agreements have created what one knowledgeable observer calls a horrible mess. Health-care attorney Tom Greeson, a partner in the law firm Reed Smith LLP of Falls Church, Virginia, expresses concern that regulatory changes that took effect earlier this year might

Molecular Breast Imaging: When to Use It

Gamma Medica

There is good news and bad news with breast cancer. While incidence rates have decreased by 2 percent per year between 1999 and 2006 and breast cancer death and diagnosis have largely declined because of improved screening and training techniques, current imaging methods have fallen short on detecting the disease effectively and early in certain patient populations.

Matching Imaging Purchases With Patient Demographics: WellSpan Health

Sponsored by Hitachi Healthcare Americas

While traditional closed MRI systems continue to offer a multitude of benefits, competition and a growing population of patients who cannot tolerate them make a closer look at alternative modalities warranted, according to Ronald F. Bernardi, FAHRA. He presented “Know Your Market to Grow Your Market” on August 24, 2010, at the annual meeting of

Improving Quality While Boosting Revenue: CMCH Case Study

Radisphere

When Bill Lawrence became CEO of Central Michigan Community Hospital (CMCH) in Mt Pleasant, in 2008, he began examining options for improving the hospital’s radiology services. Declining volumes, long turnaround times, and lack of specialization were among the issues that had led to increasing dissatisfaction with the hospital’s radiology services.

Imaging-center Data: Interpreting New Industry Volume Trends

VMG

Analysis of the fair market value of an imaging center requires the analysis of disparate sets of information regarding the environment in which the subject company operates. The valuation analyst will research various sources of economic and industry data, as well as obtaining company-specific information as part of the analysis.

Riverside Radiology Doubles Down on Distributed Reading

Sponsored by FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas

To improve patient care and further build its business, Riverside Radiology of Columbus, Ohio, wanted to provide 24/7, subspecialized service to all 10 of its hospital clients. The busy radiology practice, with 70 physicians, was already providing 24/7 coverage to its hospitals, but according to Mark Alfonso, MD, president of Riverside Radiology,