Cardiac Imaging

While cardiac ultrasound is the widely used imaging modality for heart assessments, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear imaging are also used and are often complimentary, each offering specific details about the heart other modalities cannot. For this reason the clinical question being asked often determines the imaging test that will be used.

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U.S., European societies release joint 3D echo guidelines

In a continuing trend of partnering among key societies, the European Association for Echocardiography and the American Society of Echocardiography have collaborated on guidelines for using 3D echocardiography. The recommendations are available online in the January issue of the Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.

Radiology: CTA emerges as first-line exam for acute lower intestinal bleeding

CT angiography (CTA) represents a feasible and accurate diagnostic exam for patients who present to the emergency department with acute lower intestinal bleeding, according to a study published in the January issue of Radiology. CT revealed the presence and location of active or recent hemorrhage and often showed the potential cause in many patients.

Study: Interventional rads have better outcomes, lower costs with PAD patients

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients who are treated by interventional radiologists may see lower in-hospital mortality and shorter hospital stays compared with those treated by vascular surgeons, according to a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. Patients treated by interventional cardiologists saw better outcomes than vascular surgeons.

ACC: Maximize claims acceptance, stay on top of CV coding changes

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released the CPT Reference Guide for Cardiovascular Coding, which is prepared by cardiovascular specialists for cardiovascular specialists and staff.

Self-regulation Through Appropriate Use

Guidelines for appropriate use of cardiac nuclear imaging are designed to optimize patient care efficiently and do away with entities such as radiology benefits managers. The strategy seems to be working, at least on some fronts.

14 more arrested in N.J. for alleged kickback scheme at MRI facility

Source: stock.xchngThirteen New Jersey doctors and a nurse practitioner were arrested Dec. 13 and charged for allegedly taking illegal kickbacks to refer patients to Orange Community MRI (OCM) in Orange, N.J. The arrests came on the heels of the arrest of OCM's executive director on Dec. 8.

EHJ: Coxibs may be off the hook for CV risk, but not AF

Despite prior claims that cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs) increased cardiovascular risk in patients, results of a study published Nov. 21 in European Heart Journal found no association of coxibs with increased risk of MI or ischemic stroke; however, the drug class was found to be linked to atrial fibrillation.

RSNA: Stress EKG or echo followed by CCTA is most cost effective for CAD evals

CHICAGODue to changes in CPT coding and fee schedules that have reduced reimbursement for stress tests and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in the 2009 through 2011 Medicare fee schedules, triage strategies that begin with stress EKG or stress echocardiography and progress to CCTA (if the stress test is positive) represent the least expensive options, and are more cost-effective relative to strategies that utilize myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, according to a study presented Nov. 30 at the 97th annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

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