Diagnostic radiology has once again shown itself to be one of the more lucrative specialties, even for those just starting out. A new survey from St. Peters, Mo.-based recruiting firm Profiles pegged the median starting salary for diagnostic radiologists at $330,000.

A new index that scores short-term effects on patient quality of life from diagnostic testing may be useful in shared-decision making among practitioners and could enhance patient-centered outcomes.

Research suggests patients might be thriftier shoppers if given the right tools. When a group of patients used a price transparency platform, it resulted in lowering claims payments for advanced imaging services by more than 13 percent, according to a study published in the Oct. 22/29 issue of JAMA.

Seven medical practitioners—six physicians and one chiropractor—were the latest to be arrested in connection with a kickback scheme in which money allegedly traded hands in exchange for referrals to an imaging practice serving northern and central New Jersey.

Two Houston-area diagnostic centers have agreed to pay hefty fines to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).

Calls to a reading room within one hour of a resident generating a preliminary report increased the odds of a significant error by 12 percent, according to a study published online Sept. 30 in Academic Radiology.

A report from the Austin American-Statesman seems to have caught the eye of Congress, as a U.S. House committee has announced an investigation into a brain research effort at the Department of Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence in Waco, according to the newspaper.

When it comes to encouraging appropriate utilization, radiology has come a long way. It’s been a focus in the field for years, appropriateness criteria have proliferated, and new tools, such as clinical decision support, aim to make the task much easier. That said, much more work remains.