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. 

AMIA receives $630K for global e-health training program

The Rockefeller Foundation has awarded a $630,100 project support grant to the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) to support the initial implementation of a global e-health training program in sub-Saharan Africa designed for primary care providers, technical staff and health policymakers.

Merge Healthcare Submits Higher Bid for Amicas

Merge Healthcare just released its competitive bid to buy Amicas for $248 millionupping a previous offer by an affiliate of Thoma Bravo, LLC for the Boston-based health IT and PACS vendor.

HIMSS: Compuware, DMC to discuss Stage 6 EMR achievement

The Detroit Medical Center (DMC) and technology company Compuware will discuss the challenges the organization faced in getting to Stage 6 EMR adoption at the HIMSS 2010 Conference in Atlanta on March 3 at 1:00 pm.

Grassley inquires about FDA medical device approval process

In a letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked for an update on the implementation of new guidelines for medical device makers on when they need to file new information with the agency and seek clearance for the marketing and use of modified devices under the 510(k) system.

Civco offers needle guidance for GE ultrasound platform

Health IT company Civco Medical Solutions has introduced the Infiniti needle guidance system for use with GE Healthcare ultrasound platforms.

CRF taps White as director of meetings and ed services

Johnnie White, CMP, has been appointed to the new head of the meetings and educational services division at the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF).

VA seeks to update patient record tracking system

The Department of Veterans Affairs is searching for a contractor to re-engineer the administrations Computerized Patient Record System interface and workflow to allow tracking and reporting of critical diagnostic test alerts and follow-up actions taken by providers.

Philips opens remote support center

For patient care in North American, South American and Latin American markets, Philips has opened the doors to its Healthcare Customer Care Solutions Center in Alpharetta, Ga., offering technology and local expertise to remotely support hospitals in keeping their equipment running.

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.