This was a big week for the specialty. The proposed coverage decision for lung cancer screening from CMS represents a big win for Medicare-aged smokers and former smokers, and radiology will play a key role in devloping the new screening program. A 60-day comment period began on November 10 and considering the numerous stakeholders, there will be much to say.

Reston, Va. (Nov. 12, 2014) — American College of Radiology (ACR) resources can help radiology professionals safely and effectively provide, and receive payment for CT lung cancer screening. Demand for this care will grow quickly now that Medicare has proposed to cover high-risk seniors for these lifesaving exams.

Smaller healthcare providers are struggling to catch up with their larger counterparts, but across the board more organizations are embracing the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) for medical coding compared with a year ago. 

Last spring three-hospital Kennedy Health System in southern New Jersey and RadNet, the Los Angeles-based network of 250-plus outpatient imaging centers, announced their joint venture. On Nov. 10 the resulting entity—Garden State Radiology Network—officially launched.

How hospitals and emergency departments deal with incidental findings was the subject of a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, in which three programs were identified that ensure referring physicians, PCPs and patients are made aware of the incidentaloma.

Troubles have been mounting for months at the Central Alabama VA health system, and right now no clinical department is feeling the heat more acutely than radiology.

RamSoft PowerServer 6.0 has achieved ONC HIT 2014 Edition complete EHR certification, which designates that the software is capable of supporting eligible providers with meeting the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Meaningful Use measures required to qualify for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  PowerServer 6.0 was certified on October 10, 2014 by ICSA Labs, an Office of the National Coordinator-Authorized Certification Body (ONC-ACB) and is compliant in accordance with applicable criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Following months of anticipation, CMS has put aside MEDCAC's vote of low confidence in favor of approving reimbursement for lung-cancer screening with low-dose CT for high-risk Medicare beneficiaries.