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.

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‘A huge win’: CMS significantly increases Medicare payments for cardiac CT

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.

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.

5 of 7 Medicare Administrative Contractors approve payment for imaging AI software

Providers have the potential to earn a Medicare payment of $950 if the software is deployed in medically appropriate scenarios.  

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AI-based software improves follow-up imaging adherence by 74%

The increased follow-up of recommended imaging exams combined with the efficiency of its use also generated an additional $9,000 in revenue per month at one organization.

Breast CT University of Arizona Srinivasan Vedantham

Radiology researchers score $3M NIH grant to develop compression-free breast CT system

University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers will use the funds to help recruit volunteers, hoping to test the system on 600 women. 

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.

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Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA-cleared software increases throughput for flurpiridaz back-to-back rest-stress imaging

The new F-18 flurpiridaz radiotracer is expected to help drive cardiac PET growth, but it requires waiting between rest and stress scans. Software from MultiFunctional Imaging can help care teams combat that problem.

Health Imaging
MRI projectile incident likely to result in a 'seven-figure sum' repair bill for hospital

News of an incident is a stark reminder that healthcare workers and patients aren’t the only ones who need to be aware around MRI suites.

Health Imaging
American College of Radiology announces significant expansion of Lung Cancer Screening Registry

The ACR hopes these changes, including the addition of diagnostic performance feedback, will help reduce the number of patients with incidental nodules lost to follow-up each year.