Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard imaging modality for soft tissues. It produces detail cross-sectional images of soft tissue and bone anatomy, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, brain and organs, without the use of ionizing radiation. In addition to orthopedic imaging, MRI is also used for heart, brain and breast. MRI uses gadolinium contrast in many exams to highlight tissues and blood vessels, which enhances images and offers better diagnostic quality. It can also be used in conjunction with PET scans. How does MRI work? MR creates images by using powerful magnets to polarize hydrogen atoms in water (the body is made of of more than 80% water) so they face in one direction. A radiofrequency pulse is then used to ping these atoms, causing them to wobble, or resonate. The MRI coils detect this and computers can assemble images from the signals. Basic MRI scans will focus on the resonance of fat and water in two different sequences, which highlight and contrast different features in the anatomy.

American Medical Association issues CPT code for AI-based brain MRI software

Icometrix said the current procedural terminology code covers its FDA-cleared quantification software, “creating a path to reimbursement.” 

radiology reporting EHR health record CDS AUC

Automated correlation of knee MRI, surgical findings saves radiologists’ time

Cleveland Clinic scientists believe their research findings could have “broad and far reaching” implications for the specialty. 

physician money payments dollars

Physician-owned hospitals charge less for imaging than their counterparts

The finding comes as lobbying groups urge Congress to repeal an ongoing moratorium on doc hospital ownership

Thumbnail

MRI product developer raises $30M in series A financing, plus more vendor fundraising news

Other imaging-related startup companies recently raising $4.9M or more include Altis Labs, BrainTale, Leadoptik and Hypervision Surgical. 

Thumbnail

Radiologists read across an average of 5 subspecialties but aren’t always confident doing so

About 40% of rads said they accept studies across all areas of expertise. Yet, less than half are “very confident” reading them. 

FDA greenlights software that supports blood-flow analysis via MRI without contrast

iTFlow enables the visualization of fluid dynamics in the heart and blood vessels in both 2D and 3D, developer Cardio Flow Design said Monday.

SimonMed

Radiology practice SimonMed launches nationwide whole-body MRI service, charging fraction of competitors’ prices

SimonOne utilizes AI, advanced clinical protocols and the “best available” equipment to detect diseases before symptoms arise, the PE-backed group announced. 

University of Minnesota team develops compact portable MRI

Curbside MRI: Experts are developing system small enough to fit in a pickup

Someday, getting an MRI exam could be as simple as having food delivered to your door—at least that is the hope of a group of experts at the University of Minnesota who are working on a compact system said to be small enough to sit in the bed of a truck.

Around the web

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.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Trimed Popup
Trimed Popup