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.

quality imaging appropriateness clinical decision support CAS AUC

Emergency medicine physicians develop novel approach that reduces unnecessary imaging by half

To fine-tune triage, scientists have created a clinical prediction rule, incorporating it into an algorithm to guide ED providers considering CT or X-ray. 

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

ACR urges radiologists to speak up as Medicare considers covering imaging AI software

New York-based vendor Cleerly recently petitioned CMS to pay for its primary CT software, which assesses scans for signs of coronary artery disease. 

EHR interventions increase lung cancer screening by 30% but still leave over half of patients behind

Although CT lung cancer screening is known to improve detection rates and health outcomes, compliance among eligible patients remains lackluster.

lung cancer pulmonary nodule chest

1st-of-its kind study unearths factors radiology providers can modify to boost cancer screening uptake

Researchers believe their analysis offers some of first evidence highlighting connections between racism and the decision to receive low-dose CT. 

Lung cancer screening CT image in a 66-year-old male patient shows a sessile nodule with internal air in the left mainstem to left upper lobe bronchus (arrow) with a mean diameter of 10 mm. The nodule was assigned as Lung-RADS category 4A in the clinical report. (B) Follow-up CT image shows the lesion is resolved. Image courtesy of RSNA

Lung-RADS update helps limit false-positive results, unnecessary procedures

Using the latest version was associated with improved diagnostic accuracy, researchers wrote in a new analysis. 

CTC colonography colon cancer colonoscopy

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. 

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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. 

radiation dose advanced imaging computed tomography

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.

Around the web

After reviewing years of data from its clinic, one institution discovered that issues with implant data integrity frequently put patients at risk. 

Prior to the final proposal’s release, the American College of Radiology reached out to CMS to offer its recommendations on payment rates for five out of the six the new codes.

“Before these CPT codes there was no real acknowledgment of the additional burden borne by the providers who accepted these patients."

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