Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

statue justice legal verdict malpractice case lawsuit scale

Cardiology practices pay $17.7M to settle fraud allegations brought on by whistleblowers

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. 

Video of SNMMI President Cathy Cutler explaining the efforts to get U.S. production started for Mo-99 for a domestic supply of nuclear imaging isotopes. #RSNA #SNMMI #RSNA24 #RSNA2024 #isotopeshortage

U.S. moves closer to establishing domestic supply of Mo-99 for nuclear imaging

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging President, Cathy Cutler, explains the long road to jump-starting a new U.S. domestic supply of imaging isotopes.

Joseph C. Wright resigns from Merit Medical

President of medical device company resigns over conduct allegations after 7 months in role

Joseph C. Wright, a longtime Merit Medical employee, resigned after unspecified allegations regarding his conduct were brought to light. He was named the company's new president back in May.

RSNA attendees through bore of the new release Philips CT 5300 scanner at RSNA 2024. Three new CT systems were released at RSNA that included numerous AI enhancements. Photo by Dave Fornell. #RSNA #RSNA24 #RSNA2024

Key takeaways from RSNA 2024 for AI, CT, MRI and the radiology staffing shortage

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.

Global shortage of nuclear imaging isotopes may be over

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

GE HealthCare Omni Legend PET/CT scanner production North America United States

GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Georgia Lawrence, JD, with ASNC, explains how CMS uses hospital reported data to develop cardiac PET payment rates.

Understanding hospital billing for cardiac PET/CT

Significant fluctuations in PET and CT reimbursement rates have made it especially challenging to keep up with this complex topic. We spoke to an expert to learn more.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.