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%.

SNMMI supports proposed expansion of cardiac PET coverage

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) recently submitted comment to BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee supporting its proposed expansion of cardiac PET coverage.

Breast MRI proves helpful with inconclusive digital mammography, DBT results

Radiologists can feel confident turning to breast MRI in instances when digital mammography (DM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) results are inconclusive, according to new research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Biannual MRI outperforms annual mammography for high-risk breast cancer patients

Biannual MRI is more effective than annual mammography in detecting early breast cancer in young women who have a high genetic risk of the disease, according to new research published in Clinical Cancer Research.

Biannual MRI tops mammograms for women with genetic breast cancer risk

Researchers found undergoing MRI scans every six months better detected early breast cancer in young women with a high genetic risk for the disease compared to mammograms.

Canadian engineers developing $100 smartphone-controlled ultrasound

Engineers at the University of British Columbia in Canada have developed a new ultrasound transducer that may lower the cost of ultrasound scanners to $100, according to research published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering.

Danish study attributes improved treatment, not screening, to decline in breast cancer deaths

Authors of recently published Danish-Norwegian research found a steady decline in breast cancer mortality during the 23-year study period. They determined the drop was due to advances in treatment rather than the region’s screening program, according to research published in the International Journal of Cancer.

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) released its annual cancer progress report Wednesday, Sept. 12, revealing increasing cases despite progress made in diagnosing and treating various cancers.

New class of fractals could make for speedy whole-body MRI

An Australian researcher has said it could be possible to speed up full-body MRI by four times while controlling costs and maintaining quality—all thanks to the discovery of a new class of fractals. Shekhar Chandra, PhD, with the University of Queensland, believes “Chaotic Sensing,” an approach to sparse imaging using fractals, could help MRI machines to quickly identify necessary imaging information while discarding redundant data.

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