Imaging Informatics

Imaging informatics (also known as radiology informatics, a component of wider medical or healthcare informatics) includes systems to transfer images and radiology data between radiologists, referring physicians, patients and the entire enterprise. This includes picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), wider enterprise image systems, radiology information. systems (RIS), connections to share data with the electronic medical record (EMR), and software to enable advanced visualization, reporting, artificial intelligence (AI) applications, analytics, exam ordering, clinical decision support, dictation, and remote image sharing and viewing systems.

Examples of a radiology report embedded video and text explaining the video for the patient in the report. This is from an AJR study that found embedding short videos from the radiologist explaining the images greatly enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction.

Video radiology reports add value, improve patient care

A new study found embedding videos in radiology reports aimed at patients had a big impact and may improve radiologist communication with patients. 

transgender gender LGBT LGBTQ

Radiology departments are adapting to offer inclusive environments for transgender individuals

Most radiological hardware and software systems now offer gender options beyond female/male classification, a recent analysis shows. 

Computer

Significant disparities exist in utilization of self-scheduling radiology exams, research shows

Researchers revealed that less than 1% of more than 46,000 patients took advantage of online self-scheduling tools.

Thumbnail

'Probably benign' BI-RADS 3 category has high utilization, low cancer yield, study finds

Such diagnoses were higher among community practices compared to academic institutions, with lack of subspecialty training a likely underlying factor, experts wrote in JACR

Walmart rolling out ‘state-of-the-art’ health centers with imaging, Epic EHR integration

Along with X-rays, the new outposts will also offer primary care, lab work, EKGs, behavioral health, dental, optical, and hearing services, all for a flat fee, the retailer reported. 

Thumbnail

Medical image-sharing startup PocketHealth balloons fundraising to nearly $23M

Founded in 2016, the company offers what it believes is the first “patient-centric” solution allowing consumers to instantly access their images.

radiology reporting EHR health record CDS AUC

Scaling structured radiology reporting template use across multiple health systems to build a data registry

Pennsylvania imaging experts offered several key lessons learned, including the need to engage rads and continuously monitor data accuracy. 

Study analyzes use of AI to alert patients, physicians to incidental imaging findings

Aiming to prevent delayed or missed care, Northwestern Medicine uses natural language processing to screen signed reports for text that indicates a follow-up recommendation.

Around the web

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.

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