The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has announced a draft research plan for updating its 2009 breast cancer screening recommendations and is seeking public comment on that plan

Five Congressional representatives are asking CMS to not implement a proposed rule change that would allow hospitals to deviate from manufacturer maintenance recommendations for medical equipment

The ACR has asked CMS to revise an online recommendation posted November 6 that tells providers to code the procedure using full-field mammography codes

More than 45 patient advocates representing 13 groups hand delivered a letter to members of Congress urging them to not approve policies that may hinder access to advanced medical imaging

Strategic Radiology (SR) has strengthened its Midwest presence with the addition of Central Illinois Radiological Associates (CIRA), a group practice with 77 radiologists

The ACR’s Radiology Leadership Institute is accepting nominations for the 2014 RLI Leadership Luminary Award until Feb. 28, 2014

In the most recent issue of this publication, I spoke of an emerging business model for radiology practices that want to maintain their independence while making the best use of economies of scale: local and/or regional affiliation. As hospitals and health systems continue to consolidate under emerging payment and delivery models, medical groups that hope to continue serving these customers as independent entities will have to increase in scope and scale to survive.

I have recently been writing commentaries in our various publications about the evolution of the practice model for the radiology group, especially as it relates to what radiologists need to do in order to succeed in a maturing marketplace. It is clear that a new normal exists in which revenue predictability and certainty about practices’ growth trajectories have been replaced by confusion, uncertainty, and discussions about reinvention. There are a couple of reasons that the need for a new strategy has now accelerated. I believe that these new market forces will be unforgiving to those who act as though this is simply another in a continuing series of minor setbacks and annoying speed bumps.