Much attention in recent years has been focused on the growth in imaging volume in the U.S., especially the rise in tests performed in outpatient office settings. While in reality, the rate of imaging volume growth in Medicare has been slowing since 2005 and imaging spending dropped significantly from 2006 to 2007, there are ongoing attempts at both the state and national level to eliminate or severely limit the ability of cardiologists to provide diagnostic imaging services in their offices.

To ensure a smooth process, providers that proactively prepare for a recovery audit contractor (RAC) visit should apply a two-fold method by implementing a RAC taskforce and making sure accurate documentation and billing measures are in place, particularly with the help of health IT.

While awareness of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has grown among women since 1997, ethnic and racial disparities still exist and most women have preconceived notions and misconceptions about CVD and its preventative measures, based on a study published in the March 29 issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

The internet has had profound effects on healthcare by putting access equally in the hands of patients and physicians, thereby redefining their roles, according to an opinion article published in the March 25 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Sprint showcased a variety of technologies including 4G/WiMax applications, as well as partnerships in the converged networks, home healthcare, telemedicine, and business continuity and disaster recovery markets during the recent HIMSS10 trade show in Atlanta earlier this month.

The passage of the healthcare reform bill will have a devastating impact on physician-owned hospitals and virtually destroy the more than 60 hospitals that are currently under development, according to Molly Sandvig, executive director of Physician Hospitals of America.

Two womens clinics in Louisville, Ky., have installed NovaRads NovaPACS.

Almost 80 percent of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, while heart and circulatory diseases cause 30 percent of deaths in these countries. Implementing risk-reduction initiatives that monitor diet, exercise and tobacco use are necessary to stop what has now become a fatal epidemic, according to a report published from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) on March 22.