Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography,  and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT. 

X-ray results suggest telehealth may be a bad fit for treating musculoskeletal conditions

Musculoskeletal X-rays ordered during telemedicine appointments had a higher likelihood of showing "normal" results than those ordered during in-person visits, suggesting those exams may have not been necessary in the first place. 

artificial intelligence healthcare industry digest

ChatGPT knows a lot about PET scans, but its advice is inconsistent

The popular AI chatbot got most of the answers it was asked by researchers right, but its reliability is still up in the air.

FFR-CT helps determine when CAD patients face a limited risk of adverse outcomes within 3 years

Researchers examined the "prognostic potential" of this advanced imaging modality. 

MRI scans deliver value as a primary screening tool for prostate cancer

PSA tests are linked to certain limitations when used for prostate cancer screening. Could MRI scans provide an alternative path? 

FDA announces recall of Abbott neurostimulation devices after MRI-related issues lead to 73 injuries

The new recall, which includes more than 155,000 implantable pulse generators, is due to ongoing issues with the devices being unable to exit MRI mode and return to normal use. 

IGAR surgical robot. Image courtesy of Insight Medbotics.

FDA clears new MRI-compatible robot for breast biopsies

The newly cleared device from Insight Medbotics represents a collaboration between robotics experts and surgeons. 

Ritu Thamman, MD, FASE, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, discusses trends and the technical aspects of strain imaging. #ASE #ASE23 #ASE2023 #strainecho

Strain imaging making a significant impact on the treatment of heart patients

Strain imaging has gained considerable momentum in recent years as an effective tool for getting more value out of heart evaluations. Ritu Thamman, MD, provided an in-depth look at the latest trends in strain echocardiography in an exclusive interview. 

Video of Denise Garris, ASE regulatory consultant and principal of the Korris Group, explaining how reimbursements from insurance andMedicare work to pay or cardiac ultrasound exams. #ASE #ASE360 #ASE23 #ASE2023 #healthcarereimbursment

Understanding reimbursements and coding for echocardiography

"I think everyone would agree that the current fee-for-service model is not working appropriately and there needs to be a fix," regulatory consultant Denise Garris explained in a new interview. 

Around the web

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. 

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care.