Topic:
Research
Latest Headlines
Latest Headlines
U.S. could learn a lot from Canada about handling health policy decisions
In the world of public health--particularly as it relates to radiology--observers can be forgiven for developing a certain sense of frustration at the glacial pace at which government can arrive at sensible policy decisions. That's why a recent decision by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to replace all of its computed radiography equipment with digital radiography equipment is such a breath of fresh air.
How to deal with a radioactive patient
Patients who have undergone a nuclear imaging study with radioactive tracers become radiation emitters themselves--something people who come in close contact with those patients should be aware of.
Direct radiography trumps computed radiography for cancer detection
Digital direct radiography (DR) is more effective than computed radiography (CR) in detecting breast cancer, according to an online study published May 14 in the journal Radiology . Accordingly, the researchers suggest that women should be informed of the potential for lower cancer detection with CR.
Have we reached a tipping point for lung cancer screening reimbursement?
Another group has weighed on the issue of lung cancer screening, as the American Academy of Chest Physicians (AACP) last week issued guidelines recommending that people with a significant risk of developing lung cancer undergo annual low dose CT scans. It's the latest group to issue screening guidelines based on the results of the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). While more and more organizations have issued screening guidelines, reimbursement issues remain at play here. Most private insurers and--more importantly--the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, don't cover this type of screening.
CDS alerts about dose, cost impact imaging test orders
Educating referring physicians about the costs of imaging exams, as well as radiation dose, can result in many of them changing their ordering decisions, according to a study published online in the journal Medical Care .
Reading rooms in clinical areas increase face-to-face time with referring docs
Institutions should consider embedding radiology reading rooms in clinical areas, rather than in one centrally located area to increase face-to-face time between radiologists and clinicians, according to new research published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology .
Free CT cancer screening program can be cost effective
A free lung cancer screening program implemented at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Mass., aims to resolve lingering reimbursement issues with such CT procedures. The program's success is detailed in a recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Radiology .
Removing denial provisions won't increase imaging utilization
The removal of denial provisions in utilization management for advanced diagnostic imaging won't result in increased imaging, according to a study recently published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.
Aspiring radiologists need a helping hand
If a recent Canadian study about a "culture of isolationism" in radiology is generalizable across the border into the U.S., it could be another sign that the industry may become an increasingly less attractive career choice for young physicians.
'Isolation' hurting radiology
A "hidden culture of isolationism" is plaguing many Canadian radiology centers, according to the results of a recent study published in the European Journal of Radiology .
