Diagnostic radiology generates a lot of data. Although the practice’simages can be parsed and relevant information can be acquired via theutilization of DICOM tools, free-text generated radiology reports havelong languished in silos of unconnected data. A natural languageprocessing (NLP) application developed at Massachusetts GeneralHospital (MGH) in Boston holds the promise of allowing researchers thecapability to data mine unstructured radiology reports.

 The average diagnostic image reading volume of a radiologist working inthe United States, according to a disparate variety of sources, isbetween 17,000 to 20,000 or more studies annually—depending on theprocedure mix. Outliers exist on both ends of the spectrum, and chestx-rays are easier to clear than a mammogram or neurological MRI study;however, it is clear that radiology groups are confronting anincreasing number of exams each year.

Emageon, a provider of medical IT systems forhospitals and healthcare networks, has named Chris E. Perkins as chiefoperating officer (COO).

MedcomSoft, an EHR provider, has announced that James Haveman has joined its healthcare advisory board. 

Dec. 6 – Massachusetts must decide quickly how to pay for the newelectronic medical records systems and what role government shouldplay, according to healthcare officials who attended the Mass HealthPolicy Forum in Boston on Wednesday, reported The Boston Globe.

 Primary interpretation of diagnostic images is traditionally conductedin two-dimensional views. Although interpretative viewing in 2D planeshas historically demonstrated excellent results, primary evaluation ofCT colonography exams is best conducted in 3D view, according to arecent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

 A team from the Multimedia University, Cyberjava, in Selangor,Malaysia, has developed a method of creating 3D ultrasound images usinga 2D ultrasound probe with a conventional digital camera. Theirtechnique, described in the December issue of the Journal of Digital Imaging,holds the promise to allow clinicians in cash-strapped practices toconduct modified 3D ultrasound exams with their current equipment.

Post-processing software allows clinicians to better track cancertherapies, plan surgeries, and diagnose heart, brain and intestinaldisease. Newer tools let users subtract unnecessary structures,allowing for better evaluation of problem areas. Use of and uses forthe software will only increase as data sets grow and new applicationsare added to the list.