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.

A book titled "Health Care Law" next to a gavel and a stethoscope

Lawsuit targets hospital system’s ‘astonishingly high’ charges for CT imaging and other care

Vidant Health has allegedly hid prices from patients, allowing it to overcharge for computed tomography exams and other common procedures, attorneys charged.

February 23, 2022

CMS expanding coverage for CT lung cancer screening, drawing imaging advocate praise

ACR and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons said they will work with the feds, medical providers and patients to implement new screening recommendations.

February 10, 2022

COVID-19 vaccines help reduce the serious coronavirus infections and hospitalizations. Multiple studies have shown that the risk from very rare vaccine side effects are far outweighed by the much greater risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID infections.

COVID-19 less severe among fully vaccinated patients, CT imaging study confirms

Even partially vaccinated individuals had a significantly lower risk of requiring supplemental oxygen or being admitted to the ICU, researchers detailed Tuesday in Radiology.

February 2, 2022

Wide variation in musculoskeletal imaging charges, including 74-fold difference for one CT exam

Stanford University experts analyzed price transparency data from 250 of the nation's top hospitals, sharing their work in AJR.

January 24, 2022

Hospital dramatically reduces overuse of CT liver imaging with a few targeted interventions

Loma Linda University Medical Center has strengthened ties between its radiology department, hospital administration and liver transplant team to achieve its quality goals.

January 20, 2022

Cutting CT overuse for appendicitis: 4 factors that distinguish high-performing hospitals

The role of a “radiation reduction champion," often filled by a radiologist, is pivotal to these efforts, experts wrote in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

January 11, 2022

Blood test helps more accurately predict which patients would benefit from CT lung cancer screening

Researchers estimate their model would pinpoint 9% additional cases for screening while also reducing unnecessary imaging referrals by 14%.

January 11, 2022

For first time, large population-based study proves CT screening reduces lung cancer deaths

The findings are based on an analysis of more than 300,000 patients diagnosed with non-small lung cancer between 2006-2016.

December 20, 2021

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.