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.

Society of Interventional Radiology urges UHC to update policy on radioembolization treatment
SIR contends that payments toward transarterial radioembolization (TARE)/selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) should extend beyond the current coverage limitations in patients with liver cancer and metastases.
RadNet acquires remote MRI scanning solutions provider Alpha RT
The company offers a suite of services including AI-powered safety monitoring in case something goes wrong in the MRI suite, staffing, training and certification.
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%.

AI startup trains algorithm with 1.2M chest x-rays, confirms its accuracy

Qure.ai, a San Mateo, California-based healthcare startup focused on artificial intelligence (AI), has released the results of a thorough validation study confirming the accuracy of its deep learning chest x-ray algorithm. The study involved 1.2 million x-rays and their corresponding radiology reports.

ICUS calls for FDA to remove warnings on boxes of ultrasound contrast agents

The International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) submitted a citizen petition to the FDA asking the agency to eliminate boxed warnings from ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) because data and clinical experience show they are unnecessary.

PET with CT twice as likely to change cervical cancer treatment plans

Using PET imaging in addition to conventional CT imaging for women with locally advanced cervical cancer may identify more detailed malignancies and change treatment plans, according to research published online Sept. 14 in JAMA Network Open.

SNMMI, ASNC encourage BCBS to expand coverage of cardiac PET

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) submitted a letter to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee urging an expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

Example of spectral, or dual-energy CT, confirming a pulmonary embolism (PE). Image courtesy of Philips Healthcare

Dual-energy CTA iodine maps offer small benefit in diagnosing pulmonary embolism

Dual-energy (DE) CT iodine maps offer a slight benefit when paired with traditional CT angiography images in diagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE), reported researchers in a Sept. 11 Radiology study.

CCTA associated with reduced risk of death from coronary artery disease

Performing coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in addition to standard care is associated with a lower risk of death from coronary artery disease than standard care alone, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Amyloid load is a more sensitive biomarker for Alzheimer’s imaging

Amyloid load (AβL) imaged in vivo using [18F]Florbetapir PET is a more sensitive biomarker for measuring the global amyloid (Aβ) burden compared to composite standardized uptake value ratio (SUVr), reported authors of a Sept. 6 Journal of Nuclear Medicine study.

Physicist develops VR app to reduce children's fear, anxiety before MRI

Jonathan Ashmore is an MRI physicist with National Health Service, the United Kingdom’s public healthcare system. He doesn’t interact with patients too often, but with an office next door to radiology department, he heard the distress children experienced before, during and after an MRI exam.

Medical Imaging

Society of Interventional Radiology urges UHC to update policy on radioembolization treatment

RadNet acquires remote MRI scanning solutions provider Alpha RT

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