SPOTLIGHT -
Radiologist-developed Guidelines Help Low Back Pain Workup
Radiologists have developed evidence-based guidelines to help physicians manage low back pain patients to try to reduce inappropriate imaging and procedures.
FDA OKs Ultrasound Device for Dense Breast Screening
U-Systems’ somo •v Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) system is approved for use in combination with mammography for women with dense breast tissue.
GE, RadNet to Analyze Breast Cancer Detection Processes
GE Healthcare and RadNet have partnered to identify the most efficient, cost-effective approaches for breast cancer detection.
Interventional Radiology Achieves Specialty Status
Interventional radiology has achieved primary specialty status, a decision the SIR hailed as confirmation of the skill set’s benefits to patients.
Radiologist Compensation Dips Slightly in 2012
Radiologist compensation dipped slightly compared with last year, while other specialists saw a salary increase, an AMGA survey found.
Spectral Mammography Could Measure Breast Density
Spectral mammography could be used to accurately measure breast density, thus helping to identify women at high risk for breast cancer, researchers said.
New CT Technique Shows Joint Implant Location
A new CT technique called known component reconstruction could produce improved images of joint replacements and lower dose exposure.
Imaging Managers Have Dismal Outlook on Reimbursement
Medical imaging managers continue to have low expectations for adequate Medicare reimbursement rates.
FDA Clears GE’s Cardiac Spectral CT
GE Healthcare’s cardiac spectral CT has received FDA 510(k) clearance, the company announced.
ACR, CCA Urge Passage of Virtual Colonoscopy Bill
The American College of Radiology and the Colon Cancer Alliance call on Congress to pass HR 4165, which would cover CT colonography screening under Medicare.
VNA or PACS-centric Models Lead Enterprise Imaging Plans
Most healthcare providers developing an enterprise imaging strategy are considering a vendor-neutral archive or a PACS enterprise archive solution, KLAS found.
Addressing Work Flow in MRI Patient Monitoring
Monitoring blood oxygen saturation in the MRI suite can challenge patient care and work flow. Here’s Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital’s solution.
Medical Images Cited for Surge in Hospital Data
Medical imaging studies stored in PACS account for the large surge in health care data burdening hospitals, a new survey found.
ACR Lauds AMA’s Breast Cancer Screening Policy
The American College of Radiology lauded the AMA’s policy update that recognizes the importance of screening mammography starting at age 40.
Fujifilm Earns Best Overall Manufacturer by KLAS
Fujifilm named best overall medical equipment manufacturer in Best in KLAS awards. Leaders were also selected in MR, CT, digital mammo and other categories.
FDA Clears Siemens’ CT Scanner for the Budget-Conscious
The FDA cleared Siemens’ 128-slice CT scanner designed as a budget-conscious option for community and critical access hospitals and outpatient centers.
SNM Image of the Year: Bi-213-DOTATOC
SNM’s 2012 Image of the Year shows the effectiveness of Bi-213-DOTATOC for the peptide receptor alpha-therapy of GEP-NETs that do not respond to beta therapy.
MITA Unveils Dose Reduction Initiative
The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance introduced a dose-reduction initiative aimed to ensure only authorized operators can alter the controls of a CT scanner.
Q&A: Evaluating Breast Density
Ralph Highnam, CEO of technology company Matakina International, weighs in on the challenges and promises of evaluating objective breast density.
Researchers Tout Faster MRI Protocol
Scientists at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., say they have discovered a protocol that could lead to a hundred-fold increase in MRI speed.
FDA Clears Hitachi’s Widest Bore MR System
The Echelon Oval has a patient-shaped design, resulting in a 74-cm oval bore - the widest in the industry, the company said.
Patients More Likely to Die from Disease than CT-induced Cancer
Young patients, aged 18 to 35, are 35 times more likely to die of their underlying disease than from radiation-induced cancer from CT exams, researchers say.
Pediatric Imaging Departments Use Lower Dose for CT
Dedicated pediatric departments and technologists may adhere closer to protocols for pediatric CT scans.
FDA Clears Toshiba’s Latest Aquilion CT
The Aquilion Prime 80 features the AIDR 3D dose reduction software.
Report: Most Imaging Insurance Denials Due to Prior Authorization
Just over 90 percent of imaging case denials were for imaging services covered by the plan, a patient advocate report finds.
FDA Clears Toshiba’s Latest Dose Reduction Software
Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction (ADIR) 3D, the third generation software, will be offered to existing Aquilion One, Premium, and Prime CT customers.
GE’s Cardiovascular Ultrasound Gets FDA Nod
The Vivid E9 Breakthrough 2012 includes a 4-D transducer for transesophageal echocardiography, as well as workflow tools.
Technologist Education Requirements Can Help Cut Repeat Scans
Cutting down on repeated nuclear and molecular imaging scans due to poor quality images could save about $1.32 billion over the next 10 years, according to the Society of Nuclear Medicine.
Carestream gets FDA Clearance for Mobile X-Ray
New, more maneuverable unit joins competitors in better designed, mobile x-ray.
Ultrasound for Breast Cancer Screening Closer to FDA Approval
An FDA panel unanimously recommended approval of U-Systems’ somo •v® Automated Breast Ultrasound system for breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts.