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. 

robot reviewing heart data

Medicare coverage expands again for AI-enabled coronary plaque assessments

Another MAC has agreed to cover the use of these advanced technologies to evaluate patients for signs of coronary artery disease. 

GE HealthCare Omni Legend PET/CT scanner production North America United States

GE HealthCare moves PET/CT scanner production to United States

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Georgia Lawrence, JD, with ASNC, explains how CMS uses hospital reported data to develop cardiac PET payment rates.

Understanding hospital billing for cardiac PET/CT

Significant fluctuations in PET and CT reimbursement rates have made it especially challenging to keep up with this complex topic. We spoke to an expert to learn more.

Erin Stevens explained the technical aspects for a successful PET program. #ASNC #thinkPET

Key steps to implementing a successful PET program

Getting technologists, physicians and administrators to work together is a crucial part of any PET program. Research is also essential. Cardiovascular Business spoke to a specialist on the topic to learn more.

FDA announces recall of Boston Scientific's Obsidio Conformable Embolic

Boston Scientific updates instructions for recalled embolic agent linked to multiple deaths

The premixed embolic agent is designed to embolize hypervascular tumors and occlude blood flow in a patient's peripheral blood vessels. It was recalled in April due to safety concerns.

HeartFlow Plaque Analysis Example

New Category I CPT code issued for AI-enabled coronary plaque analysis software

The news comes just days after CMS confirmed these technologies would start receiving expanded Medicare coverage in November. HeartFlow and other AI vendors have already shared their excitement over the decision. 

Warning: Sidelined reactor could trigger medical isotope shortage

The impending shortage pertains to molybdenum-99, or Mo-99. A structural issue has occurred with a pipe within the high-flux reactor in Petten, Netherlands, which will require an immediate repair. 

FDA says CT scans sometimes damage implantable cardiac electronic devices

Despite these incidents, CT continues to be the preferred imaging technology for patients with implantable or wearable medical devices.

Around the web

Ron Blankstein, MD, professor of radiology, Harvard Medical School, explains the use of artificial intelligence to detect heart disease in non-cardiac CT exams.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.