The Big Picture

Already a week into the new year, the healthcare industry is buzzing with energy and focused on the road ahead. With a clear purpose deliniated, in part, by the 2014 Protecting Access to Medicare Act, radiologists are working toward implementing Clinical Decision Support (CDS), as well as toward other time-sensitive goals such as continuing preparations for the transition to ICD-10, and continued work to meet meaningful use requirements. At the same time, we begin year two under the ACA. The debate over the law begins with the meeting of the 114th Congress, in session this week. Keep up with imagingBiz.com for the latest news and information. 

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.