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.

lung cancer pulmonary nodule

RadNet, American Lung Association launch ‘revolutionary’ cancer screening program

The Florida Lung Health Coalition is chasing the goal of increasing low-dose CT uptake in the state to 30% by 2030. 

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

Example of an automated artificial intelligence (AI) assessment of soft coronary plaque from a CT scan from the vendor Cleerly. The AI gives a very detailed report of all the plaque in all the coronary vessels. Some cardiology experts believe this may be the way of the future in screening patients for early coronary disease and monitoring the impact of prevention efforts such as statins to determine if more aggressive treatments are needed.

Medicare administrative contractors approve coverage of AI-enabled quantitative CT

Four of the seven Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) announced they will now cover artificial intelligence-enabled quantitative coronary tomography (AI-QCT) and coronary plaque analysis (AI-CPA). 

Ron Blankstein, MD, Brigham and Womens Hospital, explains a study using AI opportunistic screening in non-cardiac CT scans looking for coronary artery disease.

Use of AI opportunistic screening in CT for cardiovascular disease

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

radiology trends lungs imaging graphs

How a Federally Qualified Health Center quashed common barriers to lung cancer screening

Experts created new lung cancer screening pathways within CommUnityCare Health Centers—a large, diverse FQHC system in Central Texas.

CTC colonography colon cancer colonoscopy

ACR concerned pay cap on CT-based colon cancer screening could make service ‘untenable’

Medicare wants to limit the technical component for the exam to the HOPPS rate, which would represent an 81% reduction to the MPFS amount of $459.92. 

Time running out to comment on higher cardiac CT payments

Imaging experts have said the move could reshape the financial landscape for hospitals offering Cardiac CT services.

Radiologist-hospitalist collaboration could boost lung cancer screening rates

About 12% of the U.S. population, or 35 million individuals, are hospitalized each year, with caregivers collecting critical information that could facilitate imaging. 

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.