Medical Imaging

Physicians utilize medical imaging to see inside the body to diagnose and treat patients. This includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, angiography,  and the nuclear imaging modalities of PET and SPECT. 

ACR CEO outlines top trends in breast imaging

Dana Smetherman, MD, is a diagnostic radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. She spoke to Health Imaging about some key issues that have her attention in 2024 and beyond. 

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Ultrasound-first strategy most cost-effective for recalled breast cancer screening patients

US-first resulted in an incremental net monetary benefit of about $681 versus using diagnostic mammography first, experts wrote in AJR.  

lung cancer screening

COVID-19 survivors with diabetes may require long-term lung monitoring

Three years after recovery, individuals with diabetes had higher incidence of respiratory symptoms, lung abnormalities on CT scans, and problems moving oxygen into the blood. 

insurance payer payment insurer

What might reimbursements for proposed MRI safety CPT codes look like?

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.

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Pharmacist pleads guilty to 'adulterating' radiopharmaceuticals

According to the DOJ, the pharmacist and those working under him “would ‘fractionate’ or ‘split’ the active ingredient of Technescan MAG3, without ensuring the pieces were equal in size, purity or strength.” 

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CT colonography utilization has doubled over the last decade

That number is expected to grow even more in the coming years, as the exam serves as a noninvasive alternative to colonoscopy, while also providing more accurate results than stool tests. 

Long Horn Imaging

Longhorn Imaging partners with AI startup to add full-body MRI at 12 locations

This marks the 12th metro area launch for New York-based Ezra, with the Austin area its “most requested city to date.” 

stock market

After IPO fails, imaging agent developer Telix Pharmaceuticals raises $429M via debt

The Melbourne, Australia-based radiopharmaceutical firm plans to use the proceeds to accelerate development of products in its theranostics portfolio.

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.