IRs are inconsistently defined in health research and underrepresented by specialty designation in claims data, experts wrote Monday. 

The deal is with an unspecified radiology organization spanning multiple states, operating more than 20 sites that handle 2 million-plus medical images per year. 

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

The Department of Justice spent a substantial amount of time and energy targeting healthcare fraud in 2023, according to a new 80-page report. Some of the year's biggest settlements involved cardiac surgery and cardiac imaging. 

The decision comes amid strong demand for the publicly traded, Los Angeles-based radiology provider’s services. 

Cardiac Imaging Inc. agreed to pay $85 million in October, the largest judgment in the “Laboratory, Pathology, Radiology and Diagnostics" category. 

Patients who owe providers $500 or less in out-of-pocket expenses tend to pay down the bill. Those who owe more than $500 are evidently inclined to ignore collections efforts and pay nothing at all.

The decision is due to reduced production volumes, the high cost of site infrastructure and opportunities to streamline shipping.