2009 Article Archive
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007
November 30, 2009
FEATURES
Partner Compensation
Improvements in technology and the growth of subspecialization have made income distribution more complicated than ever for radiology groups.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Assimilating nuc med studies with PACS is no easy task. Facilities need to carefully consider their options when bringing the two together.
Radiology Today Interview With John C. Lipman, MD — The State of UFE Acceptance Today
Although uterine fibroid embolization has demonstrated consistently positive outcomes, many women still don’t receive much information about it. A leading expert on the procedure hopes to change that.
RSNA Product & Service Showcase
Keep an eye out for these items while you’re walking the halls at this year’s show.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
What Struck You at RSNA?
Radiology Coding
PQRI: Play Now or Pay Later
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
Pitfalls of the Vague Radiology Report
Interventional Update
Alternative Guidance Systems Minimize X-Ray Exposure
Products and Services
News Scan
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
November 16, 2009
Gadolinium Contrast — A Update on Imaging’s Understanding and Prevention of NSF
Ever since gadolinium contrast was associated with the onset of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, radiologists have been refining their dosage protocols. Recent studies provide additional data for them to consider.
Scanning in Pain — Sonographers Seek Relief From Job-Related Hazard
Despite attempts to reduce workplace injuries, the percentage of sonographers reporting job-related pain has grown.
RBMs — Study Examines Their Impact on Utilization
RBMs reduce imaging utilization rates during the first year after implementation, but do they keep the rates down? A recent Georgetown University study examines that question.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
RBMs and the Wheel
PACS Platform
Virtualization — In Many Ways Better Than ‘Real’ Systems
Radiology Coding
How to Code for CT Angiography
Managing to Succeed
Improving Emergency Department and Imaging Throughput
Interventional Update
UFE Alternatives
Products and Services
Datebook
News Scan
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second loo
October 19, 2009
FEATURES
Diagnosing PE — Is V/Q Imaging a Better Choice, Especially for Younger Women?
Should CT angiography, and its significantly higher radiation dose, be used instead of V/Q scintigraphy to diagnose pulmonary embolisms in young women? There is plenty of room for debate.
Ultrasound Overutilization — OIG Report Questions Exam Appropriateness
A recent report from the Office of the Inspector General raised red flags about the overuse of ultrasound. Is it a tempest in a teapot or the symptom of a larger problem?
Radiology Today Interview With Anne Hoyt, MD
The director of a prominent women’s imaging center talks about what patients want and how her facility tries to meet those expectations.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
A Good Debate
Target on Therapy
Choline PET/CT Aids Recurrent Prostate Cancer Detection; IGRT May Benefit Obese Prostate Cancer Patients
PACS Platform
Passive-Aggressive Computer Systems?
Research Review
Stopping Cancer Progression
Women’s Imaging News
Read about MRI news, accelerated partial breast irradiation, and another reason to drink wine.
Facility Focus
Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center
Datebook
Products and Services
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
September 7, 2009
FEATURES
Imaging Brain Tumors — MRI Offers a Closer Look at Deadly Cancers
Clinicians are using dynamic MRI to monitor the growth of a deadly cancer and adapt treatments to individual patients.
Scaling Down Proton Therapy — Fitting the Community Setting
The cost of proton therapy facilities has been prohibitively expensive for all but large academic and research facilities. However, that’s beginning to change.
Fall Product and Service Showcase
Make sure your practice has everything it needs before the cold weather sets in.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
‘Predatory’ Imaging
Women’s Imaging News
Ironclad Diagnosis?; Reducing Recall Rates; Digital Mammography Increases Detection Rates
PACS Platform
Disaster Recovery Planning
News Scan
Calcium Scoring Aids Heart Attack Risk Assessment
Managing to Succeed
Space, Staff, and Facility Productivity
Products and Services
Research Review
Researchers Use Nanotubes to Treat Tumors
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
August 28, 2009
FEATURES
How Much Imaging Training Does a Radiation Oncologist Need?
Radiology and radiation oncology share a past, but what part will advances in diagnostic radiology play in radiation oncology’s future?
Good Neighbors — Locating Emergency Departments and Imaging Departments Side by Side Saves Crucial Time
As in real estate, location is everything when it comes to getting patients from the emergency department to the imaging department in a timely manner.
2009 Buyers’ Guide
Fiscal year 2010 is just around the corner, so if there’s anything you need before the calendar flips, our annual buyers’ guide is a good place to look.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
A Visitor From the Future…
PACS Platform
8 Pitfalls to Productivity
Managing to Succeed
Building a Board — Governing Change as Your Group Grows
CT Slice
Scanning Techniques Halve Cardiac CTA Dose
Interventional Update
Vertebroplasty Controversy
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
Mammography and the Patient Information Form
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
July 27, 2009
P4P — Will Pay for Performance Rebuild Compensation?
Pay-for-performance is often touted as a way to properly incentivize physician reimbursement. What no one knows yet is what types of rules might be brought to bear on radiology.
Caution — Lack of Imaging Isotopes May Be Hazardous to Patients
Downtime caused by aging reactors forces imagers to cope with a Mo-99 shortage.
Postcards From Toronto
Even if you couldn’t make it to last month’s SNM meeting, you can still keep up with some of the notable news.
Functional Breast Imaging Modalities
In recent years, new breast screening tools have added to clinicians’ diagnostic options. Now, the task of determining which options are best has begun.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Reforming Malpractice and Healthcare
News Scan
Image-Guided Saline Injection Provides Rotator Cuff Relief; MRI Helps Map Tumor Changes, Predict Survival
PACS Platform
Enabling Competition
Women’s Imaging News
PET/MRI Could Improve Breast Imaging; MRI Study Links Migraines and Brain Lesions in Women
Products and Services
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
July 13, 2009
FEATURES
Implementing Digital Radiography
Digital radiography can help medical facilities do more with less. Experts offer some implementation tips to ease the transition.
Ultrasound IGRT — Looking to Improve Prostate and Breast Cancer Treatments
A new ultrasound system helps clinicians better visualize treatment targets better without added radiation.
Closer to Home
Getting the best cancer treatment is every patient’s goal, but many may not realize that they don’t have to go far to get it.
Summer Product and Service Showcase
If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment this summer, here are some hot items to consider.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Commoditizing Radiology
MRI Monitor
Automated Image Analysis May Identify Early Alzheimer’s
Products and Services
News Scan
CMS Considers New Alternatives for Bone Imaging; External Beam Partial Breast Irradiation Cuts Cost; SIIM to Support Imaging Alliance Initiative; Side Discrepancy Errors Are Often Clinically Significant; Study: Do Radiologists Need Vision Standards?; Company News
Radiology Coding
Secrets of a Successful Self-Audit
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
PACS Platform
Digital Imaging and EHRs: Seeking Definition
June 15, 2009
FEATURES
Angioplasty vs. CABG — A Look at Comparative Effectiveness Research
Comparative effectiveness research aims to provide clinical data to guide care, but interpreting the findings of such studies can be tricky.
Lean Management — Wisconsin’s ThedaCare Improves Its Radiation Oncology Care Process
A radiation oncology department dramatically reduced its wait times by asking patients how to improve care.
Reporter’s Notebook — CT News From ARRS
Have a look at some of the latest CT research presented at the American Roentgen Ray Society’s annual meeting.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Examining the Toolbox
Managing to Succeed
Handling It Well When Things Go Bad
News Scan
Radiation Therapy Treatments Can Decrease Fertility; New Drug May Protect Against Radiation Damage; MRI Technique Predicts Brain Tumor Mutations; Radiation Exposure Linked to Aggressive Thyroid Cancer
Radiology Coding
The Lowdown on Extremity Studies
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
The Duty to Disclose
Products and Services
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
June 1, 2009
FEATURES
Golden Target — Scientists Investigate Hollow Nanospheres to Destroy Melanoma Cells
Researchers are studying a targeted treatment that may potentially allow them to destroy melanoma tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
How to Handle Preauthorization Issues
Imaging providers must walk a fine line when it comes to exam preauthorization. Here are some tips for sticking to the straight and narrow path.
Tumor Autocontouring — Efficiently Maximizing Dose and Minimizing Damage to Healthy Tissue
Radiation therapy planning can be challenging, but automatic tools for tumor contouring can improve accuracy, reduce patient discomfort, and save valuable time.
Cruiseware — Shipboard Digital X-Ray Gives Mobile Imaging a New Direction
Accidents happen, even on cruise ships. To help deal with these unfortunate events, one cruise line is installing CR suites to improve and expedite diagnoses.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Screening Debates
CT Slice
Quantifying Exposure Risk; Dose Can Be Reduced for ‘Triple Rule-Out’ Exam
PACS Platform
PACS and EMRs
MRI Monitor
News From ARRS
Nuc Med Notes
Report Discusses PET’s Role in Personalizing Care; Thin-Client Web-Based PET/CT Viewer Launched
News Scan
SNM Clinical Trials Network Expands Phantom Program; Researchers Identify Early Marker for Depression; ACR Part of Joint Statement on Industry; New Protocols Can Reduce CCTA Dose in Some Patients
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
May 18 2009
FEATURES
Healthcare Atwitter Over Social Networking
Social networking sites are exponentially growing in popularity, and healthcare organizations are starting to take notice.
Imaging Addiction
PET and fMRI help clinicians to study the complex brain processes associated with addiction in ever-greater detail. But are they any closer to more effective treatment?
Radiology Today Interview With Brian F. Stainken, MD — IR’s Place in Radiology’s Future
Find out what the president of the Society of Interventional Radiology has to say about the state of the specialty.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Expanding the Brand
Interventional Update
Dialysis Access
Radiography News
All Grids Are Not Created Equal
News Scan
Gated SPECT Is Best for Heart Disease Assessment; ASRT Announces 2009 Election Results; Less Invasive Treatment for Small Lung Nodules; Company News
Products and Services
Target on Therapy
Radioembolization for Liver Tumors
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
May 4, 2009
FEATURES
Small Patients, Small Doses — Reducing Radiation Exposure in Children
Reducing pediatric radiation dose is a complex task, but radiologists and technologists all over the country are working to highlight its importance.
4T, 7T, 8T, and Beyond — High-Field MR Research Seeks a Closer Look Inside the Human Body
High-field MRI is already being used to study the brain, but researchers believe it may offer other uses as well.
Radiology Today Interview With David J. Marichal — Speech Recognition Seeks Understanding
Many radiologists have been reluctant to use speech recognition, but as the technology improves, it’s winning converts.
PACS and RIS Buyers’ Guide
Your images are only as good as your ability to process and store them, so take a minute to consider upgrading your PACS or RIS.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Polarizing Topic
Interventional Update
Drug-Eluting Stents Treat PAD
PACS Platform
Got Interoperability?
News Scan
CT of Nefertiti Bust Reveals Hidden Face; Breast Cancer Recurrence More Likely in Young Patients; Physical Fitness Aids Brain Function in Older Adults
Research Review
Stem Cells May Treat Peripheral Arterial Disease
Products and Services
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
April 20, 2009
FEATURES
Sodium MRI — Taking a New Look at Osteoarthritis
Sodium MRI has been around for a while, but higher magnet strengths and new technologies have increased the potential for significantly earlier diagnosis of and possible treatments for osteoarthritis.
Contrasting Situation
Other than in cardiology, contrast-enhanced ultrasound isn’t used much in the United States, but that may be changing.
Is There a Shortage Looming in Mammography?
Recent forecasts indicate that the number of radiologists and radiologic technologists for mammography may not keep pace with demand in the coming years. What effect will this have on patient care?
Spring Products and Services Showcase
Enhance your spring cleaning by updating your equipment.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
IR’s Voyage
News Scan
MRI Finds Atrophy Pattern That Predicts Alzheimer’s; BSGI May Reduce Unnecessary Breast Biopsies; RSNA Names New Executive Director; Imaging Study Looks for Autism Clues; Company News
Women’s News Briefs
Waiting for Test Results Can Affect Women’s Health; 11-Gauge Needle Better for Breast Biopsy
Women’s Imaging News
Embolization, Balloon Catheters Treat Postbirth Bleeding
Target on Therapy
Stereotactic Time-Saver; ‘Mini’ Proton Therapy Systems Tested, May Be Installed in ‘09
Products and Services
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
April 6, 2009
FEATURES
SIR Reporter’s Notebook
Get the scoop on some of the new research that was presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s annual meeting last month in San Diego.
Preauthorization
Is preauthorization a way to ensure appropriate imaging or reduce imaging costs? It depends on whom you ask.
RBMs Are Part of Obama Plan
Everyone agrees that healthcare is too expensive, but there’s a lot of disagreement about how to trim the cost. Many in the radiology community are concerned about the inclusion of RBMs in the president’s strategy.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
The Healthcare Hydra
Interventional Update
PICC Nurses in Practice
PACS Platform
Ergonomics Is in Your Hands
News Scan
Deficiencies Found in Lymphoma Reports; ARRS and ACR Agree in Principle on Joint Effort; AIUM and AACE Collaborate on Accreditation; World’s First Portable, Equine-Dedicated CT Solution; Company News
MRI Monitor
MRI Facilitates Hypoxia Diagnosis in Newborns; 3T MRI May Eliminate Unnecessary Wrist Surgery
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
Patient Registration and Processing
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
March 23, 2009
FEATURES
Ultrasound Exams — Bright Future, but Will It Be in Radiology?
Ultrasound’s popularity continues to grow, but will it outgrow the radiology department?
Big Picture
Advances in CT technology are allowing clinicians to do whole-brain perfusion studies.
Talk to Me — PACS and Ultrasound Work on Their Communication
PACS and ultrasound interoperability still isn’t perfect, but it’s come a long way.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Nonradiologist Imaging
Research Review
Studies Link Hormone Therapy With Brain Tissue Loss
News Scan
Exercise Improves PAD Leg Pain; CMS Publishes Draft PET Coverage Decision; New Advance in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Follow the Money
Will Your Group Be Ready?
MRI Monitor
3He MRI Reveals Airflow Changes in Asthma Patients; MR Arthrography Improves Shoulder Tear Diagnosis; MRI May Aid Treatment of Sleep Apnea
Products and Services
Managing to Succeed
MRI Accreditation Help
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
March 09, 2009
FEATURES
Talking It Through
Implementing speech recognition isn’t easy, but the end results are worth the aggravation.
Real-Time Claims Adjudication
Getting medical claims processed at the time of service benefits patients, as well as medical providers.
Killer Diagnosis
When he’s not busy interpreting MRI and CT scans, Keith Wilson is dreaming up inventive ways to kill people—in writing.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
What’s in a Headline?
Letter to the Editor
News Scan
fMRI Detects Brain Circuit Abnormalities in Bulimics; MR Spectroscopy May Reduce Invasive Brain Procedures; Breast Imaging Lawsuit Risk Overestimated by Docs; FDA Clears FLT for Multisite Clincal Trials
PACS Platform
Imaging Informatics’ Big Show
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
The Importance of Radiography Position and Technique
Products and Services
Women’s Imaging News
One Fifth of Women Forego Postmastectomy Radiation; Childhood Cancer Survivors Need More Screening; Most States See a Decrease in Mammography Rates
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
February 23, 2009
FEATURES
Bone Battle — DR and CR Fight for X-Ray Dominance
DR is making serious inroads in CR’s territory.
CT Scanners — Raise the Bar, Lower the Dose
Increased speed and decreased radiation dose are the twin engines driving the latest advances in CT technology. Here’s what the large manufacturers are rolling out.
ISET Reporter’s Notebook
The International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy held its annual meeting last month. Here’s some of the news that was presented.
Interventional Products and Services Showcase
Take a look at these tools for your interventional radiology practice.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Maybe This Time
Interventional Update
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
February 9, 2009
FEATURES
Know Thyself (or at Least Thy Data)
New data-mining capabilities allow radiology practices to analyze their business in a completely different light.
Molecular Imaging — A New View on Immunotherapy
A novel PET tracer is helping clinicians track the location and progress of specially programmed white blood cells.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Consumer Confidence
PACS Platform
Buying Imaging Displays
News Scan
Window for Stroke Rehab Wider Than Previously Thought; Sex Hormones May Affect Atherosclerosis; Radiation Therapy Delays Lead to Increased Breast Cancer Recurrence; Cardiac CT Can Assess Coronary Artery Disease
Target on Therapy
Prostate Study: No Link Between Family History and Treatment Outcome; ASTRO Changes Name to American Society for Radiation Oncology; Evidence-Based Glioblastoma Guidelines Published
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
Sedation and Analgesia in MR Imaging
Products and Services
Molecular Imaging News
18F-FDDNP PET Study Looks at Brain Aging
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
January 26, 2009
FEATURES
Imaging & Self-Injury
Radiologists are in a position to help identify a form of self-mutilation that most clinicians haven’t seen before.
Changing View — MRI, CAD, and Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
As MRI techniques and computer-aided detection software evolve, MRI may soon be an effective tool for diagnosing prostate cancer.
Radiology Today Interview With Robin B. Shermis, MD, MPH
RT talks about the state of modern breast imaging with the medical director of Toledo Hospital Breast Care Center.
Winter Products and Services Showcase
Take a look at the new products to make your facility more productive
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Diagnosing Beyond the Images
Letter to the Editor
News Scan
Stress-Related Disorders Affect Memory; Does the Brain Make the Punishment Fit the Crime?
Products and Services
Women’s Imaging News
Breast Reconstruction Type Impacts Radiation Therapy Outcomes; One Type of Benign Disease Boosts Breast Cancer Risk; Many Breast Cancers Resist Tamoxifen
Mammography Matters
Alternating Mammography and MRI May Be Best; Seeking a Link Between Breast Density and Cancer Risk
MRI Monitor
Scans May Predict Effects of MS Flare-Ups on Optic Nerves
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
January 12, 2009
FEATURES
Assessing DVT — Is Streamlined Ultrasound Technique Sufficient?
In an effort to save time in the emergency department, some doctors are advocating for a shorter test for deep vein thrombosis, but is it effective enough for wide-scale use?
Tiny Bubbles
A new microbubble treatment that incorporates ultrasound may allow a more targeted delivery system for chemotherapy drugs.
Who’s Watching What?
Data mining can provide a wealth of information but at what risk to personal privacy?
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
Home for the Holidays
News Scan
Wireless Bone Sensor May Simplify Fracture Monitoring; Early MRI May Eliminate Unnecessary Surgery for Children With Suspected Musculoskeletal Infections
PACS Platform
Cost Analysis — What You Can’t Afford Is a PACS That Doesn’t Fit
CT Slice
Good as Gold Standard; CCTA and Calcified Plaques
Radiology Coding
Coding Headaches — Don’t Let New Coding Rules Give You One
Risk Management & Malpractice Defense
Radiation Exposure and Pregnancy — Considerations for Women Who Are or May Be Pregnant
Products and Services
Digital Radiography
‘Pseudomasking’ — Is the Fox Guarding the Henhouse?
Datebook
Second Opinions
A double take on who said what and what is worth a second look
