By 2012, providers of nuclear imaging will need to be accredited to obtain reimbursement. Technologist Timothy L. Dunn, BS, CNMT, wants his colleagues to lead the charge for quality and safe imaging.

Since the FDA placed a black-box warning on echocardiography contrast agents in October 2007, the market for the agents dropped tremendously. However, the subsequent movement to educate both regulators and providers led to a modification of the agencys contraindications and may have generated a resurgence in their use, along with a better understanding of their clinical value.

Its been said that a picture is worth a thousand words; when it comes to the deployment of advanced visualization technology in cardiology, an image may be worth even more in referrals, according to practices that have adopted it.

Using coronary calcium scoring as part of an early coronary artery disease detection and heart attack prevention program is an effective way to enhance CT departmental revenue while positively impacting the community.

NEW ORLEANSThe risk of radiation-induced cancer from cardiac CT is substantially lower than previously reported for general populations, according to a poster presentation at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions this week.

An estimated 15.7 million patients received nuclear imaging procedures in the United States in 2007, in 7,320 hospital and non-hospital sitesa 3 percent increase in patient visits from 15.2 million in 2006, according to a report by IMV Medical Information Division.

Arlington Medical Resources (AMR), a provider of market data for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic imaging industries, has reported that Lantheus Medical Imaging's Cardiolite has 15 percent more market share than GE Healthcares Myoview for September.

The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has issued a consensus statement, supporting the use of contrast agents used to enhance echocardiogram images, and providing a guide for physicians who may be hesitant to use the contrast agents following a 2007 FDA black-box warning. The statement was published in the November issue of Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography.