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.

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE
Highly anticipated trial data comparing mechanical thrombectomy to anticoagulation alone for intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism showed that the more aggressive strategy improved outcomes.
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.

Portable MRI system slashes the time it takes to image stroke patients

Experts are optimistic that the use of portable systems can increase accessibility to neuroimaging and efficiency in stroke care.

Imaging center drug raid goes awry after cop's gun is sucked into MRI scanner

A new lawsuit alleges that the LAPD staked out an imaging center due to its higher than usual energy consumption and a “distinct odor” of cannabis coming from the facility.

Interventional procedure gives osteoarthritis patients years of pain relief

Genicular artery embolization targets synovial blood vessel abnormalities believed to cause painful inflammation that contributes to the severe discomfort most patients experience with OA.

Patients on Medicaid wait longer to complete outpatient MRI exams

They also face lengthier delays when their primary language is not English and if the exam requires anesthesia, experts write in Academic Radiology.

MRI study pinpoints neural roots of lingering fatigue post-COVID infection

Some of the findings observed have also been reported in patients who have multiple sclerosis, “which could suggest partially shared pathophysiological substrates of fatigue symptoms,” researchers indicated.

Erin R. Stevens, CNMT, NCT, director of nuclear medicine at Oregon Heart Center, said training physicians for what is needed in cardiac PET documentation is key for preventing issues with prior authorizations. ASNC photo

Good documentation is the key to cardiac PET prior authorizations

Knowing what, exactly, is needed in cardiac PET documentation is one of the best ways to limit prior authorization issues.

ASE establishes vocabulary for cardiac POCUS to promote consistency

As cardiac point-of-care ultrasound use continues to grow outside of traditional echo labs, the American Society of Echocardiography is working to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Imaging agent developer Telix to buy RLS radiopharmaceutical network for up to $250M

RLS operates America’s only Joint Commission-accredited radiopharmacy network, with 31 locations covering over 85% of the U.S. population.

Medical Imaging

Mechanical thrombectomy beats anticoagulation alone in STORM-PE

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