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. 

FDA issues new guidance on x-rays for children

Imaging professionals are urged to “child size,” or use the lowest radiation dose needed, in medical imaging exams on pediatric patients, according to new guidance issued on x-rays by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Penn State student reflects on early success of concussion monitoring system

Matt Roda, a student at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, experienced a concussion while playing hockey in high school. Just a few years later, he developed Reflexion, a concussion monitoring system.

MRIs found safe for patients with implantable cardiac devices

Patients fitted with implantable cardiac devices—both approved and unapproved by the FDA—should steer clear of outdated MRI safety information. A recent study released by the New England Journal of Medicine found these patients are safe to undergo MRI screenings, as reported in a recent article by Cardiovascular Business. 

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What impact does MRI, CT utilization have on ACOs?

CMS data from accountable care organizations (ACOs) participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) reveals that higher MRI utilization rates are associated with “small but significant” cost savings, according to a recent analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. No such correlation was seen for CT utilization rates.

SNMMI publishes AUC for somatostatin receptor PET imaging

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) announced Thursday, Jan. 4, the publication of appropriate use criteria (AUC) for somatostatin receptor PET imaging in neuroendocrine tumors.

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MSK ultrasound utilization by nonradiologists on the rise

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK US) is being used more and more outside of radiology, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.

Radiologists awarded $50K grant to research prenatal imaging techniques

A team of radiologists and other specialists led by Ali Gholipour, PhD, of Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, has been awarded a $50,000 research grant by the Fetal Health Foundation (FHF).

Patients prefer TVUS to MRI for pelvic imaging

Providers often turn to transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and MRI when women are experiencing pelvic pain or abnormal uterine bleeding. Which of these imaging modalities is preferred among women? A team of researchers studied that exact topic, publishing their findings in Academic Radiology.

Around the web

The patient, who was being cared for in the ICU, was not accompanied or monitored by nursing staff during his exam, despite being sedated.

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.