X-ray

Medical X-rays have mostly converted from film, to computed radiography (CR) that used individual plates to record each X-ray digitally that then had to be uploaded into a PACS, to what is the standard-of-care today with digital radiography (DR). DR X-ray which allows immediate digital transfer of images into a PACS for immediate review. X-rays are used to diagnose fractures, bone abnormalities, lung pathologies and tumors, as well as monitor pediatric growth, plan for surgery and treat oncology patients during radiation therapy. More detailed anatomical imaging, especially soft tissue imaging, is usually sent for advanced imaging with CT or MRI. X-ray, especially mobile DR systems, are a primary use case for artificial intelligence (AI) integration. 

Radiologists best AI at diagnosing COVID on chest X-rays

AI can help humans inspect chest X-rays for COVID-19, but the technology is unfit to serve as a standalone diagnostic tool for that purpose. 

Potential $1.5B effort kicks off to study low-dose radiation risks

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released a report estimating $100 million will be needed for each of the next 15 years to learn how exposure to low doses of radiation affect human health.

Crowdsourced X-rays suitable for training AI in orthopedic injuries

The Internet is an acceptable source of images for training algorithms to automatically triage patients with dislocated joints and similar orthopedic emergencies. 

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AI inspects endotracheal tube placement on chest X-rays

Radiology researchers have demonstrated the reliability of an AI system they developed to automatically check placement of endotracheal tubes on chest X-rays.

New x-ray technique for checking tube placement cuts radiation dose 80%

Radiologists have developed an abdominal x-ray protocol that quantifies patient “thickness” to yield images of high quality while reducing radiation dose by 80%.

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Radiology business owner convicted after bilking CMS of $2M

The owner of a portable x-ray business faces serious jail time for attempting to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of $3.7 million, forging signatures and making false statements to hide his tracks.

An example of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging. Image courtesy of RSNA

Despite radiation exposure and fracture risk, pricey QCT bone density scans are rising in popularity

The increase may be an unintended result of a cut in DXA reimbursement rates in 2007, a MedPage Today article suggests. 

Walmart rolling out ‘state-of-the-art’ health centers with imaging, Epic EHR integration

Along with X-rays, the new outposts will also offer primary care, lab work, EKGs, behavioral health, dental, optical, and hearing services, all for a flat fee, the retailer reported. 

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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