Compression of images is not an alien concept in radiology. From radiography to CT, large image files transmitted between physicians’ offices or stored over the long term often undergo some kind of compression. Mammography—one of the last modalities to go digital—remains behind the curve, however. Can mammographic images be compressed while

It is not a completely fair analogy, but the differing agendas of payors and providers place receivable processing in something of a battle zone. The payors seek to limit payments to no more than absolutely necessary to cover the contractual benefits of their beneficiaries. They put up a gauntlet of compliance rules to ensure that the providers

Not long ago, I sent a memo to a select group of clients informing them that as of January 9, 2009, pharmaceutical representatives would no longer be distributing the so-called dry goods. These are the branded premium items, such as pens and note pads, on which many offices have come to depend. One client recognized the opportunity to be a hero and

My conversation with a prominent radiologist was startling, even as it piqued my journalistic interest. He was all doom and gloom, resigned to the fact that, in his strongly held opinion, the best days for radiology had passed. Nothing lies ahead except the detritus of a once lucrative and satisfying profession. The pending election was creating

A group of luminary practitioners of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) penned a white paper1 to guide readers of CCTA in structured reporting for the modality. Citing referrer ease of use and the ability to improve quality through consistency, the authors discuss the primary elements of a structured report and provide templates for reporting CCTA with

Demand for radiologists acting as medical directors could jump if a proposed regulation now under consideration by CMS is adopted. The proposed rule would require all nonhospital providers of imaging services to meet Medicare’s existing requirements for IDTFs, which specify that there must be a qualified physician designated to supervise care and

CT has become indispensable tool for physicians to use in diagnosing and managing a vast array of medical conditions. The use of CT to aid triage of patients in emergency departments is now routine. Most patients with cancer are diagnosed and monitored by CT. Even many benign diseases are best diagnosed and monitored using CT. In short, referring

The health care industry will be facing significant changes in the future, and a medical practice’s success is becoming increasingly linked to its revenue cycle. Reduced reimbursement from payors, along with changes in third-party reimbursement, has significantly affected how medical practices need to deal with the revenue cycle for their practices