Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a crucial component of healthcare to help augment physicians and make them more efficient. In medical imaging, it is helping radiologists more efficiently manage PACS worklists, enable structured reporting, auto detect injuries and diseases, and to pull in relevant prior exams and patient data. In cardiology, AI is helping automate tasks and measurements on imaging and in reporting systems, guides novice echo users to improve imaging and accuracy, and can risk stratify patients. AI includes deep learning algorithms, machine learning, computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, and convolutional neural networks. 

GAO: Integrated delivery systems assist patient care, face operational challenges

Integrated systems assist patient care strategies and access to care, but face various operational challenges, including care in underserved populations, according to a November report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

Nuance expands medical transcription services

Nuance Communications has expanded its transcription portfolio with Nuance Transcription Services, an outsourced transcription service to assist clinical documentation and patient care initiatives.

RSNA: McKesson features updated CVIS

McKesson (Booth 8350) is highlighting its Horizon Cardiology 12.2, a cardiovascular information system (CVIS) that includes integrated hemodynamic monitoring and ECG management at the 2010 Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago, Nov. 28 to Dec. 3.

CMS: Medicare claims error rate drops 1.9%

The error rate for Medicare fee-for-service claims in 2010 dropped to 10.5 percent, or $34.3 billion in estimated improper claims payments, from the 12.4 percent 2009 error rate, or $35.4 billion, and is on track for a 50 percent reduction by 2012, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

KLAS: EDs seek functionality, integration

As hospitals consider emergency department (ED) strategies to help satisfy meaningful use objectives, they seek a blend of functionality and integration, according to a report by healthcare research firm KLAS.

National EHR safety system launched

The iHealth Alliance, a not-for-profit organization composed of medical society and professional liability carrier executives in collaboration with federal agencies and PDR Network, publisher of the Physicians Desk Reference, have formed a new EHR safety reporting system.

Agfa increases product prices worldwide

Imaging systems and IT provider Agfa HealthCare announced that prices on all of its imaging film products will increase worldwide.

NDS Surgical Imaging names Daniel H. Berry as CEO

Medical imaging and IT provider NDS Surgical Imaging has appointed Daniel H. Berry as CEO of the company.

Around the web

RBMA President Peter Moffatt discusses declining reimbursement rates, recruiting challenges and the role of artificial intelligence in transforming the industry.

Deepak Bhatt, MD, director of the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and principal investigator of the TRANSFORM trial, explains an emerging technique for cardiac screening: combining coronary CT angiography with artificial intelligence for plaque analysis to create an approach similar to mammography.

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease.