DI Executive

As literature continues to emerge about the potential of contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM), this author reviews clinical and practical benefits of the modality and pertinent steps for adding it to your diagnostic armamentarium.

In a large retrospective review of over four million Medicare claims, researchers found that Black women were 16 percent less likely to have access to digital breast tomosynthesis than White women.

The opportunities and challenges in volunteering enable us to sharpen our leadership skills and get to the heart of our “why.”

Addressing upgrades of traditional infrastructure used in everyday radiology practice may be a more practical use of resources than investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technology that is still evolving.

A teleradiology fellowship that offers an information technology (IT) component and dedicated time with teleradiology attendings to learn tricks of the trade with workstation navigation could go a long way toward reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

Navigating key logistical aspects, maintaining coverage contracts, and understanding the pros and cons of different reimbursement models are just a few of the topics that could make a teleradiology fellowship worthwhile.

In a new United Kingdom study comparing radiologist and radiographer assessment of over 1.4 million digital mammograms, researchers said there were no significant differences with cancer detection rates or recall rates.

Humility, perspective and refraining from hasty, emotional responses can go a long way toward defusing confrontations.

Offering a variety of features to enhance efficiency, bolster security and reduce IT overhead, the cloud-native SaaS platform may help radiologists minimize workflow issues that can impede practices with high imaging volume.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In a new study comparing 2017 and 2019 Medicare claims submission data, researchers noted a 40 percent increase in evaluation and management (E&M) services, and a 74 percent increase in imaging services performed by radiology-employed nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).

While the status of incentives, such as yearly bonuses or partnership track aspirations, can be a tricky conversation, ignoring it can be the tipping point for a radiologist’s exit to another practice.

Catch up on the top radiology news of the past week.

Ambient speech capabilities in emerging voice recognition products and software updates may convert the clinical context of conversational speech into structured data for radiology reports.

Forty-eight percent of Asian women, 43.3 percent of Black women and 42.8 percent of Hispanic women did not have a biopsy 30 days after abnormal findings on mammography, according to newly published research.

Recognizing the significant potential for workplace injuries in the radiology field, these authors discuss the proactive benefits of optimal positioning and disruptions of static posture as well as a heightened management awareness of ergonomic solutions and potential issues in maneuvering mobile imaging units.

As the iodinated contrast media shortage continues to have a significant adverse effect on radiology, these authors assess the pros and cons of emerging strategies and imaging alternatives.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

The resumed production of GE Healthcare’s Omnipaque products is a welcome development for radiologists scrambling to come up with alternative dosing and imaging options in the past month during the temporary shortage of iodinated contrast media.

In an ongoing quest to reduce the impact of the temporary iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage, a group of researchers recently examined Medicare claims data to identify high-frequency usage patterns of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) services.

In addition to individual measures for reducing burnout risk, there are steps leaders in radiology can take to make burnout prevention a driving force in various aspects of their practice,

In a recent video interview, two radiology professors from the Yale School of Medicine discussed the impact of the iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage and potential strategies, ranging from ICM dose reduction to possible deferment of non-urgent imaging, that may provide a viable path moving forward.

Catch up on the top radiology content of the past week.

In addition to addressing workplace stressors, leaders in radiology should have an increased awareness of other key drivers of burnout, including inclusivity issues and challenges for radiologists who are managing their own health conditions.

Given the challenges with the shortage of the iodinated contrast agent Omnipaque, national and state organizations have issued suggested risk mitigation and conservation strategies to reprioritize imaging needs during this temporary shortage.

While some have raised questions and concerns about a possible loss of autonomy with the increasing presence of private equity in radiology, this author says potential benefits of such an alliance, including access to new technologies, career development and a strong patient focus, go beyond the expected economies of scale.

Proactive cybersecurity measures are essential to safeguard against the increasing threat of cyberattacks that can erode patient confidence, completely disrupt health-care practices, and potentially cost over a million dollars in network costs, downtime, and lost revenue.

Review the top radiology content from the past week.