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%.

New protocol cuts costs, time for CMR imaging

A simplified cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) protocol using a contrast agent allowed clinicians in Peru to diagnose heart ailments more quickly and cheaply, a new study found. The results, published online Aug. 29 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, highlight a potential pathway to realizing the benefits of CMR in developing nations.

Ultrasound accurate, cost-effective for assessing soft-tissue masses referred by primary care providers

Ultrasound is an effective screening tool for assessing soft-tissue masses referred by primary care providers, according to a new study published in Clinical Radiology. The authors added that a “vast majority” of these masses are benign.

Questions remain months after MRI-related death in Mumbai

Back in January, a 32-year-old man from Mumbai, India, died after being sucked into an MRI chamber while holding an oxygen cylinder. More than seven months later, the fate of the two hospital employees suspended due to the incident remains unclear.

5 keys to maintaining a safety program in the MRI suite

No matter how much safety planning and training occur in a radiology department, accidents can still happen in the MRI suite—and they are often dramatic and unpredictable. An article published online Aug. 24 in the Journal of the American College of Radiology details the experience of a team from the University in Seattle in implementing training and risk management procedures.

Perivascular fat attenuation index CT scans showing the amount coronary wall inflammation. This measure is being tested in trials to see if it can accurately predict which coronary artery lesions will progress to cause heart attacks.

Novel cardiac imaging biomarker could predict risk of coronary inflammation, heart attack

A team of international researchers has developed a new imaging biomarker able to non-invasively predict a patient’s risk of coronary inflammation and heart attack, according to research published Aug. 28 in The Lancet.

ACR, SNMMI among groups that support CMS proposal to reduce E&M paperwork requirements

The American Medical Association, American College of Radiology (ACR), Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), Society of Interventional Radiology and dozens of other healthcare groups have signed a letter to CMS in support of the agency’s “Patients Over Paperwork” initiative and calling for a reduction in paperwork requirements for evaluation and management (E&M) services.

RSNA machine learning challenge to focus on detecting pneumonia in chest x-rays

The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) announced the launch of its second annual machine learning challenge on Monday, Aug. 27. Teams will be invited to develop algorithms to identify and localize pneumonia in chest x-rays.

Breast MRI improves quality of care for DCIS patients

Performing MRI on patients with non-invasive breast cancer can provide additional value, according to a new study published in Academic Radiology.

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