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.

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision.

AI software that boosts detection of small brain lesions gains FDA clearance

The software is a collaboration between Bracco Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Bracco Imaging, and Subtle Medical, Inc.

New details emerge on looming medical isotope shortage

The supply of Mo-99 and Tc-99m—the most commonly utilized medical isotopes in the world—could be cut by as much as 40% until the reactor in the Netherlands is up and running again.

Commercially available AI significantly improves prostate MRI report consistency

By reducing report variability, the software could help decrease unnecessary biopsies in patients with questionable lesions.

Warning: Sidelined reactor could trigger medical isotope shortage

The impending shortage pertains to molybdenum-99, or Mo-99. A structural issue has occurred with a pipe within the high-flux reactor in Petten, Netherlands, which will require an immediate repair.

FDA says CT scans sometimes damage implantable cardiac electronic devices

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.

Factors that fuel patients’ failure to follow-up after ‘probably benign’ breast findings

Age, race, whether they underwent MRI or ultrasound, insurance coverage, and other factors correlated with patients no-showing following a BI-RADS 3 designation.

Ultrasound shear-wave elastography predict fetal growth abnormalities earlier than routine obstetric exams.

Shear-wave elastography predicts fetal growth issues earlier than standard of care

In recent years, shear-wave elastography has emerged as an imaging option that can provide greater detail into tissue health. Experts recently found that it is especially beneficial for fetal exams.

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