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.

What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

Spatial patterns on imaging could predict Alzheimer's years before cognitive symptoms emerge

These subtle changes precede greater tissue loss related to cognitive impairment.

Serious MRI accident to sideline scanner for months

The accident occurred earlier in July when a metal stretcher carrying a patient entered the imaging suite.

Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.”

Sahil Parikh, MD, FSCAI, Director of Endovascular Services at New York-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, explains there is scant clinical data on what the standard of care should be for pulmonary embolism, so it is up to clinicians to decide what is best for patients based on whether patients have mild to severe PE.

Pulmonary embolism treatments continue to evolve

There is still a lack of lack of standardized treatment protocols for pulmonary embolism. This is mainly due to limited data and a lack of reliable risk assessments, one specialist explained.

CT colonography utilization has doubled over the last decade

That number is expected to grow even more in the coming years, as the exam serves as a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy, while also providing more accurate results than stool tests.

Longhorn Imaging partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI at 12 locations

This marks the 12th metro area launch for New York-based Ezra, with the Austin area its “most requested city to date.”

MRI scoring system could prevent unnecessary biopsy of osseous lesions

Radiation-induced osteitis may not cause clinical symptoms, but its presence often sparks concerns about malignancy.

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