This year’s meeting of the RSNA in Chicago, Illinois, to be held November 29 through December 4, will feature approximately 4,000 scientific papers, posters, and educational exhibits, and despite the recession, the society expects to welcome nearly 60,000 attendees from around the globe. The meeting will include perennial favorites like the mock

As I sit here trying to think of a way to wrap up a year of tremendous change in radiology, health care, and the economy at large, I understand that there is no way to turn 2009 into a neat package. Nevertheless, sifting through a year’s worth of content developed for Radiology Business Journal—and our electronic journals, ImagingBiz.com,

Viewing revenue-cycle management as a function limited only to billing is shortsighted at best, and is more likely to be a mistake. Revenue-cycle management affects the entire practice, imaging center, and hospital radiology department, from a new patient’s first inquiry (whether made by telephone, through an online portal, or in person) to the

In recent years, the diagnostic imaging industry has served as a microcosm, of sorts, for the larger health care industry. Diagnostic imaging has seen rapid technological advances that have dramatically increased diagnostic capabilities and increased demand for services, as well as increases in both the number and types of providers offering

Few would argue that one of the most impressive accomplishments of engineering, throughout history, has been the bridge. From the towering Golden Gate to the simple plank stretched across a stream, bridge design and construction are the essence of problem solving. Bridges exist for no other reason than to overcome the obstacle of a river, a valley,

Five centuries ago, the Roman Catholic Church introduced the devil’s advocate for the express purpose of countering arguments in favor of canonization. It’s too bad that Time Warner, Yahoo, and George W. Bush did not have devil’s advocates at hand when they decided to buy AOL, spurn Microsoft’s purchase offer, and invade Iraq.

Among the more interesting dramas unfolding in the medical imaging profession these days are the number and variety of transactions that are either in the pipeline, in the process of due diligence, or otherwise in some organization’s strategic plan for 2010. Consolidation is one of the indicators of a maturing marketplace, and it is clear that

Imaging providers are well aware of the many challenges that radiology groups are facing today. Considering all of the various external threats, one is reminded of the motto sometimes attributed to Blackbeard (Edward Teach, 1680–1718): The floggings will continue until morale improves. It is in this environment that many radiology groups must