Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis

CMS updates Medicare coverage for AI-powered coronary plaque assessments

The new policy goes into effect in November, improving Medicare coverage for a technology that has rapidly gained momentum in recent years.

MedCognetics CogNet AI-MT technology is the first embedded AI cancer detection system built into the mammography system to eliminate eliminates latency and delivering immediate, high-quality image analysis and can help prioritize exams in the worklist

AI loaded onto mammography systems can flag possible cancers in real time to speed workflows

A new AI solution offers complete mammography analysis on the imaging system, in the radiology workflow, to reduce the wait time for results. 

Ron Blankstein, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital, explains a study using AI opportunistic screening in non-cardiac CT scans looking for coronary artery disease.

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

artificial intelligence digital transformation

Industry Watcher’s Digest

Meet a recent high-school graduate who’s built a brilliant AI app. 

hospital clinicians IT professionals operations leaders

Survey turns up a ‘troubling disconnect’ between clinicians and IT pros, finds operations leaders ‘caught in the middle’

Some 60% of IT professionals and 51% of operational leaders admit they’re reluctant to involve clinicians in software decisions. 

artificial intelligence healthcare industry digest

ChatGPT is overly worried about ED patients

The popular AI chatbot tends to over-order X-rays, prescribe too many antibiotics and admit too many patients to the hospital when compared with a resident emergency department physician. 

artificial intelligence in cardiology

FDA grants AI-powered ECG screening tool for aortic stenosis its breakthrough device designation

The FDA clearly sees significant potential in this new screening software from New York-based AccurKardia.