Professional Associations

This page includes news coverage of medical associations and medical societies. Use these links to find focused news coverage from specific organizations: Cardiology Associations, Healthcare Associations, Radiology Associations.

Examples of a radiology report embedded video and text explaining the video for the patient in the report. This is from an AJR study that found embedding short videos from the radiologist explaining the images greatly enhanced patient engagement and satisfaction.

Video radiology reports add value, improve patient care

A new study found embedding videos in radiology reports aimed at patients had a big impact and may improve radiologist communication with patients. 

Why cardiologists and radiologists are choosing cardiac CT over invasive angiography for suspected CAD

"A CT-first strategy allows physicians to provide relevant findings without the need for an invasive procedure," one radiologist explained. 

Links to 20 new and revised American College of Radiology appropriate use criteria

The American College of Radiology (ACR) released the latest edition of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria

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Neiman Health Policy Institute finds 18% increase in radiology employed non-physician providers

A new Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute study found that between 2017 and 2019 the number of non-physician providers employed by radiology-only practices increased 18%. 

Leslee Shaw, PhD, and former presidents of both SCCT and ASNC discusses the role of CT and FFR-CT in the 2021 chest pain guidelines.

VIDEO: Cardiac CT now recommended as a front-line chest pain assessment tool

Leslee Shaw, PhD, director of the Blavatnik Family Women’s Health Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and former president of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC), explains the role of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in the recent 2021 chest pain guidelines.

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CMS coverage decision for Alzheimer's drug, related PET scans sparks concern in imaging community

In a statement released on April 14, MITA cautioned that the coverage decision will “severely limit patient access” to amyloid PET diagnostics and anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies treatment.

The ASNC is one of several medical imaging societies asking Congress to repeal the appropriate use criteria (AUC) criteria mandate. They say it poses issues for clinicians and is becoming outdated by changes in CMS payment systems. The AUC requirements call for documentation using CVMS authorized software in order to show advanced imaging such as nuclear and CT is justified, or else Medicare payments might be withheld.

American Society of Nuclear Cardiology urges Congress to speed prior authorizations, repeal AUC mandate 

Over the past few weeks, members of ASNC’s Health Policy Committee have held meetings with their members of Congress.

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American College of Radiology updates imaging appropriateness criteria with 5 new topics

ACR’s additions cover scenarios including imaging after breast surgery, fibroids, hernias, pediatric ataxia, and follow-up for esophageal cancer. 

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.