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.

Single emergency department charts 90% uptick in CT use since 2015
The uptick came during a time when the number of ED episodes increased by only 8% at the same institution, with defensive medicine one possible driver.
ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology
The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology made its voice heard, pushing for legislation to repeal Medicare payment cuts and tie payments to inflationary increases. Prior authorization and a proposed tariff on radioisotopes were also discussed.
AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences
Artificial intelligence could serve as an effective tool for determining which patients may need additional breast MRI sequences mid-protocol.
Insurer illegally forcing women to pay for breast imaging, class action lawsuit contends
Lauren Moody and her attorneys believe the damages against Oscar Health could climb to $30M when factoring in interest, attorney fees and fines.
AI detects twice as many incidental lesions as radiologists
Prior research has suggested that these incidental lesions turn out to be cancerous in up to 70% of cases, making their timely detection critical.

Silva: Bad Data is Root of Problem with CT and MRI Cost Centers

Acknowledging and fixing the flawed capital cost data that CMS is using to justify proposed cuts in CT and MRI reimbursement is the responsibility of all radiology professionals writes Ezequiel Silva III, MD, in the latest issue of Radiology Business Journal

FDA clears Siemens’ Symbia Intevo integrated SPECT and CT system

Siemens Healthcare has announced that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for Symbia Intevo—the world’s first xSPECT system, which combines the high sensitivity of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the high specificity of CT.

Metabolic PET imaging provides clues to developing Huntington’s disease

A functional neural network is under investigation as a major player in the progression of Huntington’s disease. Metabolic imaging of this region could serve as a tool for future treatments, according to a study published online Aug. 29 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Chasing the lightning: Molecular epilepsy imaging with PET and SPECT

Recent studies have indicated that epilepsy may be more comprehensively characterized with the help of PET and SPECT, and these modalities could benefit the 1-2 percent of the U.S. population with the neurological disorder, according to a review published online Aug 22 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Estrogen receptor PET imaging detects early stage breast cancer, with limitations

Early-stage breast cancer lesions can be detected with F-18 FES PET, but success depends on tumor size and level of disease, according to a study published online Aug. 22 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Radical Radiopharmaceuticals: Molecular Imaging Agents Find Their Niche

Multiple radiopharmaceuticals in the development pipeline are showing real promise in the realms of oncology, neurology and cardiology.

PET on a Leash: Reimbursement Developments and Challenges

The operative phrase for PET reimbursement circa 2013 may be “cautiously optimistic.”

Radiation Exposure: Connecting the Dots

The right dose to the right patient at the right time is the mantra. But tracking dose is gaining in popularity among physicians and patients.

Medical Imaging

Single emergency department charts 90% uptick in CT use since 2015

ASNC speaks to members of Congress about major trends in cardiology

AI-directed scan protocols cut back on unnecessary MRI sequences

Insurer illegally forcing women to pay for breast imaging, class action lawsuit contends

AI detects twice as many incidental lesions as radiologists