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.

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.

PEM: An Additional Arrow In the Breast Imaging Quiver

Many physicians and patients cast staging breast MRI as an imperfect exam. From the physician’s perspective, the exam generates thousands of difficult-to-interpret images. False-positive findings are not uncommon.

MaineHealth aims to achieve American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) guidelines with UltraSPECT technology

Healthcare system selects UltraSPECT nuclear medicine software for lowering dose and reducing exam time.

‘Betabox’ micro molecular imaging system could spur drug trials

In vitro drug trials could get a boost from a micrometer-small molecular imaging system that captures cells and tests their response to a miniscule flood of radiopharmaceuticals, according to a study published Aug. 26 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Molecular imaging industry set for slow-going growth

At least 14 new molecular imaging agents are being groomed for clinical use, with approval of three major radiotracers expected by 2016, according to an Aug. 2013 GlobalData report entitled “The Future of Molecular Imaging.”

FDG PET/CT predicts bone cancer patient survival

FDG PET/CT imaging prior to osteosarcoma surgery and chemotherapy may be able to provide a clearer picture of patient risk and prognosis, according to a study published Aug. 15 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

Adenosine SPECT imaging could single out neurodegenerative, psychiatric disorders

The neuromodulator adenosine and its interaction with a receptor known as A2A are being implicated in a range of brain diseases, including Parkinson’s and Huntington’s, as well as a spate of psychiatric disorders. A novel SPECT agent has been found to successfully shine a spotlight on this relationship, according to research published Aug. 22 in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine.

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