Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography, and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT.

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE
Highly anticipated trial data comparing mechanical thrombectomy to anticoagulation alone for intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism showed that the more aggressive strategy improved outcomes.
Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation
Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies.
Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications
From 2013 to 2022, the percentage of rads submitting breast care claims to Medicare dropped from about 47% down to 34%.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.
Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services
Five Northern California critical access hospitals are banding together to share a mobile MRI unit across three counties.

New IR procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome

New IR procedure could be a viable alternative to surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome

The technique, which takes around 20 minutes to complete, uses ultrasound guidance to target and release Osborne's ligament with a specialized thread.

Loss of smell during COVID linked to structural, functional brain alterations

According to data shared by the CDC last year, around 34% of patients who contracted COVID between 2020 and 2023 reported losing their sense of smell.

Ron Blankstein, MD, FACC, FASNC, MSCCT, FASPC, associate director, cardiovascular imaging program, director, cardiac computed tomography, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and a professor of medicine and radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains why Medicare is proposing increased coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) payments to hospitals.

Higher payments for CCTA could bring considerable change to cardiology

Ron Blankstein, MD, explains how and why Medicare is proposing an increase to hospital payments for coronary CT angiography.

Ablation therapy versus partial nephrectomy for small renal masses

New findings portray both treatment options in a similar light when it comes to overall survival rates, though one creates significantly more burden for both patients and hospital resources.

An Illinois appellate judge upheld a pervious trial victory that cleared and central Illinois cardiologist Amit Dande, MD, and Prairie Cardiovascular Consults LLP of alleged misdiagnosis of the severity of a patient's heart condition that led to his death prior to a schedule percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Radiologist faces blame after ‘inadequate’ CT report overlooks deadly bowel cancer case

The controversy dates to 2018, when a woman underwent a CT scan for abdominal pain and a rad overlooked bowel cancer on the images.

Up to 25% of physically unresponsive patients are still conscious, imaging shows

The phenomenon, known as cognitive motor dissociation, might occur more often than previously believed.

Imaging advocates want nuclear medicine technologists reclassified as healthcare professionals

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging made its case in an Aug. 12 letter to the Office of Management and Budget.

Advanced imaging prompts treatment changes for nearly half of high-grade glioma patients

New research calls for greater utilization of advanced imaging in post-treatment protocols for patients with high-grade glioma.

Medical Imaging

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation

Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds

Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services