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. 

IDS releases two radiology-related smartphone apps

Integrated Document Solutions (IDS) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., has launched two smartphone applications designed to allow medical staff and administrators to perform critical and time-sensitive tasks using IPhone, Blackberry, Android and Windows Mobile devices.

HIT Policy Committee: Achieving meaningful use will require personal change

Change will be one of the hardest goals to accomplish as practitioners seek to achieve meaningful use of health IT, said Paul Tang, MD, vice chair for the HIT Policy Committee. Tang took questions and comments on meaningful use this week during an informational webinar hosted by the Strategic Plan Workgroup of the HIT Policy Committee regarding its Health IT Strategic Framework.

Colorado patients mailed protected health data; investigation under way

Boulder Community Hospital (BCH) in Colorado has been contacted by patients of Lafayette, Colo.-based Family Medical Associates, who were mailed copies of their own protected health information by an anonymous source. An accompanying letter claims that the information was stolen from Community Medical Centers recycling bins, according to BCH.

HealthAffairs: VA spends more, achieves higher levels of health IT adoption

In comparing health IT within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to the standards in the private sector, researchers from the Center for IT Leadership in Charlestown, Mass., determined that the VA spent proportionately more on IT than the private healthcare sector spent, but it achieved higher levels of IT adoption and quality of care.

HHS releases $144M to colleges to promote health IT adoption

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has enlisted the resources of U.S. universities, community colleges and research centers to encourage the adoption and meaningful use of health IT with the release of $144 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

Agfa expects flat 2010, despite strong end to 2009

Following what Agfa-Gavaert claimed was a strong end to fiscal year 2009, Agfa HealthCare is anticipating weakening sales in the first fiscal quarter of 2010 and that results for the division for the entire year will be flat.

HIMSS New England: State reps discuss local health reform initiatives

NORWOOD, Mass.Representatives from six states of the New England region sat down to discuss state-driven initiatives of health IT at the fifth annual HIMSS New England Chapter Public Policy Forum Wednesday.

HIMSS New England: Physicians must champion health IT

NORWOOD, Mass.--The inexorable march toward the use of technology in healthcare reform shouldnt be thought of as a linear progression, said Charlie Baker, former president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare and current Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate, at the fifth annual HIMSS New England Chapter Public Policy Forum Wednesday.

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.