Use of noninvasive diagnostic imaging at private imaging facilities between 1996 and 2006 skyrocketed while hospitals' share of the imaging market fell, according to a Thomas Jefferson University study.
Use of noninvasive diagnostic imaging at private imaging facilities between 1996 and 2006 skyrocketed while hospitals' share of the imaging market fell, according to a Thomas Jefferson University study. Findings suggest hospitals failed to adjust to a booming imaging market. Dr. David C. Levin and colleagues examined nationwide Medicare Part B databases from 1996 to 2006 comparing noninvasive diagnostic imaging codes with place-of-service codes. They found NDI utilization rates per 1000 patients increased at all four places of service: hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient, private office, and emergency department. While hospital outpatient facilities and private offices saw increases of 25% and 63%, respectively, the rate for hospital inpatients grew only 15%. ER utilization rates were lower than in the other places, but their growth was fastest at 77% (J Am Coll Radiol 2009;6:96-99).
New Literature Review Assesses Merits of Cardiac MRI After Survival of Sudden Cardiac Arrest
April 19th 2024While noting inconsistencies with the diagnostic yield of cardiac MRI in patients who survived sudden cardiac arrest, researchers cited unique advantages in characterizing ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and facilitating alternate diagnoses.
Study of Ofatumumab for Multiple Sclerosis Shows 'Profoundly Suppressed MRI Lesion Activity'
April 17th 2024The use of continuous ofatumumab in patients within three years of a relapsing multiple sclerosis diagnosis led to substantial reductions in associated lesions on brain MRI scans, according to research recently presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) conference.