SPOTLIGHT -
Idaho Law Would Require Radiologic Technologist Licensure
Idaho senators are considering a measure to require radiologic technologists have a license before performing imaging and radiation therapy procedures.
KLAS: Providers Feel Safe in the Cloud
Healthcare providers who use cloud computing feel safe with the practice, giving cloud computing a satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5, according to KLAS.
FDA Clears Philips’ MicroDose SI Mammo System
Philips received FDA 510(k) clearance for MicroDose SI, a full-field digital mammography system that enables future Single-Shot Spectral Imaging applications.
CT Colonography Dose of 100 kVp as Effective as 120 kVp
Reducing the CT colonography radiation dose from 120 kVp to 100 kVp resulted in a significant decrease in dose but minimal decrease in 3D image quality.
Digital, Analogue Mammo Equal in Measuring Breast Density
Breast density can be accurately scored with images obtained through either digital mammography or film-screen mammography.
Ultrasound Screening Intervals for AAA Could Be Longer
Most men with small abdominal aortic aneurysms, 3.0 cm to 5.4 cm, could be safely monitored with ultrasound at longer intervals.
Disparities Exist for Access to PET Scans for NSCLC
Medicare beneficiaries who were older, black, or lived in less educated or economically advantaged areas didn’t receive equal access to PET scans.
CT Lung Cancer Screening Could Save 12,000 Lives - Or More
CT lung cancer screening could save up to 12,000 lives per year in the United States - and even more could be saved if the criteria were expanded.
These Imaging Tests Aren’t Always Necessary
PET/CT for cancer screening in healthy patients? Think twice on this and other nuclear medicine and molecular imaging tests, say SNMMI’s Choosing Wisely list.
Imaging Managers’ Confidence in Reimbursement “Very Low”
For the first quarter of 2013, medical imaging managers have very low confidence in Medicare reimbursement rates, according to the latest MICI data.
CT Angiography Aids in Predicting Heart Attack Risk
CCTA is effective for determining heart attack risk in patients with suspected coronary artery disease - even if there are no treatable risk factors.
FDA Approves Medtronic’s MRI-Friendly Pacemaker
The FDA has approved the Advisa DR MRI SureScan pacing system, a second-generation pacemaker designed for use with MRI machines, according to Medtronic.
Providers Turn to Consultants for ICD-10 Prep
Providers are turning to third-party consulting firms to prepare for ICD-10, including help with training, roadmaps and documentation, according to KLAS.
CT Texture of Esophageal Tumors May Determine Chemo Effectiveness
CT texture analysis of primary esophageal tumors may be a potential imaging biomarker, helping determine the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Screening Mammograms Every Two Years OK for Older Women
Mammograms every two years are just as beneficial to women over 65 as are annual exams - and may reduce false positives.
Benefits of CT in Young Adults Outweigh Cancer Risk
Risks of radiation-induced cancer from CT scans in early adulthood are outweighed by the benefits obtained from the scans.
Amyloid Imaging May Help Detect Cardiac Amyloidosis
Amyloid imaging, used to detect plaques in the brain, may help diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, researchers said.
PCPs Want to Deliver Radiology Results to Patients
Primary care physicians prefer to deliver radiology results to their patients, and they feel obligated to follow recommendations in the reports.
Prediction Rule Aids Decision for Abdominal CTs in Children
A rule aid comprising seven factors may aid physicians in deciding whether to refer children for abdominal CT scans following blunt trauma to the abdomen.
Second-Generation CT Scanner Cuts Radiation Dose
Radiation exposure from CCTAs has been significantly reduced with use of a new second-generation CT scanner, without compromising diagnostic accuracy.
Task Force Details Brain Amyloid PET Criteria
Brain amyloid PET imaging could assist in diagnosing cognitive impairment in patients who meet certain conditions, according to a new task force.
FDDNP-PET Shows Brain Injury in Former NFL Players
PET imaging with a chemical marker called FDDNP has identified abnormal tau proteins among former professional football players.
Dual-Tracer PET/CT Better for Liver Transplant Selection
Dual-tracer PET/CT may be more effective than contrast-enhanced CT for staging of hepatocellular carcinoma for evaluation of liver transplant suitability.
Radiology Leadership Institute Partners for MBA Credits
Participants who complete levels I-IV at ACR’s Radiology Leadership Institute will be awarded credits toward an MBA from Babson College.
PET Agent Amyvid Receives European Approval
Amyvid has received approval in the European Union for use in patients with cognitive impairment being evaluated for Alzheimer’s disease.
ACS Recommends Low-Dose CT for Lung Cancer Screening
Low-dose CT is an appropriate screening tool for lung cancer among high-risk patients, say new guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society.
Adding CT Colonography to HEDIS Could Increase Screening Compliance
Adding virtual colonoscopy, or CT colonography, by adding the test to HEDIS could improve colorectal cancer screening compliance.
FDA Clears Riverain’s Chest X-ray Software
Riverain Technologies has received FDA 510(k) clearance for software aimed at improving clarity of conventional chest X-rays.
Fewer Clients Improves Teleradiology Reads
Teleradiologists perform better when they focus on images sent from fewer hospitals rather than reading for a larger number of facilities.
‘Fiscal Cliff’ Deal Includes Medical Imaging Cuts
Legislation passed to avoid the so-called “fiscal cliff” cuts reimbursement to certain medical imaging services and retains the medical device excise tax.