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.

Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system

Abbott CGM sensors can now be worn during common imaging procedures

Sensors from the FreeStyle Libre 2 and Libre 3 continuous glucose monitoring systems can now be worn during X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. The news represents a shift in policy from the FDA, one that came after the agency reviewed extensive testing data.

AI prostate lesion segmentation algorithm

AI tumor volume estimations could improve prostate cancer treatment strategies

More detailed estimations of lesion size could give providers greater insight into how to best manage a patient’s treatment plan.

Breast cancer rates among women in their 30s are on the rise

Screening uptake for younger women has been steadily rising for years. Consequently, so have cancer rates among the population.

Rads' lumbar MRI reads more accurate when they have access to patients' self-reported symptoms

Rads are more accurate when they have access to patients' self-reported symptoms

This is especially true for lumbar MRIs, as these exams often show abnormalities without correlating symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between incidental findings and the actual source of patients’ issues.

VR helps radiology trainees practice breast biopsy skills

VR could improve breast biopsy skills for trainees

Breast biopsies are the most common image-guided procedure. Despite this, many radiology residents may not be routinely involved in completing these procedures during their training.

Terry Bowers, MD, director of vascular medicine at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan, and national co-chair of the Pulmonary Embolism Research Collaborative (PERC), explains the skillset needed for pulmonary embolism (PE) thrombectomy procedures. #PERT #PE

Interventional radiologist completes first procedure in US using new embolectomy system

The system was developed to improve the complex, often time-consuming process of navigating through pulmonary arteries during embolectomy procedures.

FDA warns against use of Hologic breast care device after nearly 200 adverse events

The alert pertains to the BioZorb and BioZorb LP markers, implanted in soft tissue to indicate the site for radiographic procedures.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

5 of 7 Medicare Administrative Contractors approve payment for imaging AI software

Providers have the potential to earn a Medicare payment of $950 if the software is deployed in medically appropriate scenarios.

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