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.

COVID-19 disruptions lead to ‘substantial’ reductions in new cancer diagnosed via CT, other methods

Health systems must identify areas where patients are not following up on routine screening and find ways to reassure and reengage them, experts charged.

December 6, 2021

Advocates applaud CMS proposal to expand eligibility for low-dose CT lung cancer screening

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is accepting comment on the proposal through Dec. 17 and hopes to finalize it by February.

November 19, 2021

CMS says evidence is sufficient to expand Medicare coverage for low-dose CT lung cancer screening

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services wants to lower the starting age from 55 down to 50 while also modifying required smoking pack-years.

November 18, 2021

Lung cancer deaths decrease, but only about 6% of high-risk patients screened using low-dose CT

Providers are struggling to address disparities in minority communities, the American Lung Association reported.

November 17, 2021

In report to Congress, task force touts need to improve CT lung cancer screening uptake

USPSTF wants to unearth ways to increase uptake in clinical practice, particularly among those at higher risk of death from the disease.

November 15, 2021

Minority patient populations less likely to undergo CT imaging than white counterparts

Nearly half of caucasians received a scan in their life vs. 41% of Black patients, 26% of Latinos, and 28% of Asian Americans.

November 3, 2021

CMS raising rate for outpatient lung cancer screening by more than 37% in final rule

The update is part of a slew of changes in the Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System final rule.

November 3, 2021

Greater low-dose CT vigilance needed among head and neck cancer survivors, study asserts

HNC survivors with a significant smoking history face a 2.5 times higher rate of lung cancer than others who never had the disease.

November 2, 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.