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.

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%.
Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds
Due to the elective, rather than diagnostic, nature of these exams, operators are not required to complete formal training or be registered if the scans are done in privately owned entities.
Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services
Five Northern California critical access hospitals are banding together to share a mobile MRI unit across three counties.
FDA grants De Novo marketing authorization for at-home prenatal ultrasound
Women's health experts are calling the approval a "long-awaited leap forward" for obstetrical care.

Radiologists chart ‘alarming’ uptick in late-stage breast cancer diagnoses across all age groups

Between 2004 to 2021, the biggest annual percentage increase in incidence of metastatic breast cancer at diagnosis was among women ages 20-39 (up 2.9%).

Clinical decision support significantly reduces use of CT for pulmonary embolism

Across 340,000 hospital admissions, there was a 7.4% decrease in CTPA use after referrers started consulting CDS, experts write in JACR.

Radiomics model links brain MRI features with neuropsychological changes in Crohn's disease

Researchers hope their findings can help pave the way for more targeted therapies for individuals with Crohn's disease.

Non-enhancing asymmetries on contrast-enhanced mammography

Is additional imaging necessary for non-enhancing asymmetries on contrast-enhanced mammograms?

Patients with asymmetries on CEM typically are recalled for additional views, ultrasound and occasionally MRI. But the extra workup might not be necessary.

money court scale of justice ruling legal settlement

Nearly $800,000 settlement offered to family of man who died during MRI exam

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

RSNA attendees through bore of the new release Philips CT 5300 scanner at RSNA 2024. Three new CT systems were released at RSNA that included numerous AI enhancements. Photo by Dave Fornell. #RSNA #RSNA24 #RSNA2024

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Routine abdominal CTs offer insight into cardiovascular risk

During this year's RSNA meeting, providers were especially interested in how AI applications could enhance opportunistic screening capabilities.

Screening efforts have helped avert millions of cancer-related deaths in recent decades

In conjunction with prevention efforts, the introduction of screening examinations has resulted in a reduction of nearly 6 million cancer-related deaths since 1975.

Medical Imaging

Medicare MRI reimbursement has plummeted 77% since 2003, when adjusting for inflation

Fewer radiologists are interpreting breast imaging exams, with key workforce implications

Experts caution patients on the dangers of boutique fetal ultrasounds

Rural hospitals band together to offer MRI services

FDA grants De Novo marketing authorization for at-home prenatal ultrasound