Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a fast and accurate imaging modality often used in emergency settings and trauma imaging. CT scans, with or without (or both) iodinated contrast are frequently used to image the brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis, but also have post-imaging reconstructive capabilities for detailed orthopedic imaging. It is now a standard imaging modality in emergency rooms to quickly assess patients. CT uses a series of X-ray images shot as the gantry rotates around the patient. Computer technology assembles these into into a dataset volume than can be slices on any access, or advanced visualization software can extract specific parts of the anatomy for study. Find more content specific to cardiac CT.

Radiologists meet with CMS to press for coverage of crucial CT screening exam
Staffers with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were "attentive to the discussion and requested supporting documentation," ACR reported.
A significant amount of imaging orders in emergency settings are inappropriate
A general lack of awareness pertaining to ACR appropriateness criteria could be a driving factor behind the misguided requisitions, authors of a new analysis suggest.
IAEA: When selecting medical imaging equipment, don’t assume ‘new’ means ‘low dose’
Advanced imaging equipment using ionizing radiation enters the global market at the rate of one new technology every five years.
Stroke patient sues radiology practice claiming negligence led to her fall from a CT scanner
Monica Lynch accuses Midstate Radiology Associates of failing to secure her to the scanner table and ignoring her needs during an examination.
Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates
"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

How CT creates barrier to treating pulmonary embolism patients in cheaper outpatient settings

Rather than being discharged, low-risk PE patients often receive unnecessary additional services and overnight stays, experts wrote in JAMA.

June 1, 2023

Block Imaging spinning off mobile business after announcing its acquisition by Siemens, CommonSpirit

Cube Mobile Imaging, as it’s now called, will not be involved in the transaction, instead continuing to operate as a standalone, family-owned business

May 31, 2023

Breaking down the barriers to ‘opportunistic,’ population health-focused CT screening

“Regulatory and reimbursement hurdles are not insurmountable but pose substantial challenges," a panel of experts wrote recently in RSNA's Radiology.

May 26, 2023

GE Healthcare signs $30M CT deal, 1 of largest in health system’s 150-year history

St. Luke’s University Health Network is ordering 21 cutting-edge scanners coupled with a subscription for ongoing software and AI updates.

May 25, 2023

Low levels of ‘organizational readiness’ could be holding back lung cancer screening programs

Willingness to change among radiologists and staff members (rather than leadership) has the biggest impact on lung cancer screening success, public health researchers reported Monday.

May 24, 2023

Risk model helps radiologists predict whether patients will experience contrast-associated injury after CT

The study represents the largest and most comprehensive investigation of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in patients with cancer.

May 23, 2023

RadNet revising 2023 financial projections, adding capacity amid ‘heavy demand’ for imaging

PET/CT saw the biggest gains, up almost 21% year-over-year compared to Q1 of 2022, with the group collecting $390M in revenue (up 14%).

May 9, 2023

American College of Radiology issues heads-up on possible payment denials at certain facility types

ACR is urging providers who encounter such denials to contact their local Medicare Administrative Contractor and consults related CMS documents.

April 28, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Medicare drops AUC requirement for advanced imaging, ASNC celebrates

"This was an unneeded burden, which was solely adding to the administrative hassles of medicine," said American Society of Nuclear Cardiology President Larry Phillips.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology, radiology groups urge insurance provider to rethink imaging policy

SCAI and four other major healthcare organizations signed a joint letter in support of intravascular ultrasound.

Cardiovascular Business

Radiology AI company gains FDA clearance for new CT offerings focused on PE, stroke

The newly approved AI models are designed to improve the detection of pulmonary embolisms and strokes in patients who undergo CT scans.