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. 

Richard Heller, MD, RSNA Board member, associate chief medical officer for health policy and communications, and national director of pediatric radiology at Radiology Partners, explains some insurance companies are trying to take advantage of the No Surprises Billing Act by telling radiology practices they need to accept lower rates to remain part of the providers in-network.

Radiologists urged to report insurance companies forcing lower reimbursements due to No Surprises Act

Some payers are taking advantage of the NSA by forcing practices to accept lower rates to remain in-network, says Rad Partners' Richard Heller, MD. 

mammogram mammography breast cancer

FDA shares key information about forthcoming breast-density notification requirement

The agency said facilities subject to the Mammography Quality Standards Act will have until Sept. 10 to come into compliance.  

Video interview with Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) President Kit Crancer, and executive director of the Rayus Quality Institute, where he said the lack of federal policy on insurance coverage for diagnostic breast exams as opposed to screening exams

State legislation addresses gaps in breast imaging coverage, ensures affordable diagnostic exams

RBMA President Kit Crancer said a lack of federal policy has driven 20 states to adopt laws requiring that insurance cover the costs. 

radiology clock alarm turnaround time efficiency

Common factors associated with delays in filling outpatient MRI orders

Female patients and those with public insurance plans were much more likely than others to witness delays of 10 days or more, according to new research.

breast ultrasound biopsy

Same-day breast biopsies bolster patient satisfaction but may increase anxiety

Experts underlined the importance of radiologist-patient communication, which can include building rapport, clear descriptions of procedures and taking time for questions. 

breast radiologist breast cancer mammography

Lawmakers in 4 states introduce bills requiring insurers to cover supplemental breast imaging

Those include Florida, New Hampshire, Vermont and Virginia, with thousands of patients standing to benefit, according to Susan G. Komen.   

Example of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) shown as part of the multimodality imaging capability on the Fujifilm CVIS.

Cardiologists, radiologists and surgeons push for increased adoption of IVUS during peripheral vascular interventions

Increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound when performing lower-extremity revascularization procedures could limit complications and improve patient outcomes, according to new recommendations from several medical societies.

Butterfly Network Ultrasound

FDA clears new point-of-care ultrasound system from Butterfly Network

Butterfly iQ3 is the third generation of the Burlington, Massachusetts, company's semiconductor-based, single-probe, whole-body scanner. 

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.