Articles tagged with Diagnostic Imaging
A new paradigm in breast cancer screening has been established with immediate-read screenings during the pandemic. This approach reduces racial and ethnic disparities in same-day diagnostic imaging, while speeding up diagnoses.
Researchers have developed a flexible and wearable X-ray detector using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that don't contain harmful heavy metals. The device shows high-sensitivity sensing and imaging capabilities, making it suitable for various radiation monitoring and medical imaging applications.
A new study analyzes 377 severe harm and death incidents in acute medical units across England and Wales between 2005-2015. The most common incident types were diagnostic errors, medication-related errors, and failures in monitoring patients. Implementing electronic prescribing systems and checklists can reduce diagnostic errors, while...
Researchers discovered racial and ethnic differences in diagnostic imaging for children at pediatric emergency departments in the United States. The study found that these disparities are not solely due to patient factors, but also reflect biases in healthcare providers' decision-making.
A new detector using cesium lead bromide perovskite crystals has been developed to aid in the detection and identification of radioactive isotopes. The device achieves high resolution in energy detection, allowing for differentiation between legal and illegal gamma rays.
Research finds that women with food and housing insecurity are at risk of undiagnosed breast cancer due to lapses in follow-up appointments. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting, found that these unmet social needs lead to longer intervals between diagnostic imaging and biopsy.
A study found that diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions were associated with a shorter time from study completion to publication, contributing to an overrepresentation of positive results in the test accuracy literature. Studies with positive titles showed no significant association with faster publication times.
Nonphysician providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, rarely render diagnostic imaging services, with most being radiography and fluoroscopy. Despite growing involvement in imaging-guided procedures, NPPs still represent a small fraction of all diagnostic imaging interpretations.
The study found a significant increase in secondary imaging interpretations across various modalities and body regions, driven by high-volume service families. Denial rates for these services were uniformly low, below 25%, contradicting conventional wisdom.
The April 2018 issue of Vascular Medicine explores the latest imaging and diagnostic techniques for vascular disease. Key findings include updates on ABI testing, duplex ultrasound, MRA, and CTA, as well as recent advances in MRI for patients with PAD.
A new classification system, AIR score, based on patient symptoms and lab tests reduces diagnostic imaging, hospital admissions, and surgery needs. The system was tested in a study of 1068 patients with suspected appendicitis, resulting in improved care outcomes.
A study published in Medical Care found that patients with high-deductible insurance plans used fewer imaging tests and had lower costs for diagnostic imaging. However, the study could not determine whether this was due to high- or low-value utilization, raising concerns about potential drawbacks of high-deductible plans.
Patients with high-deductible health plans use 7.5% fewer diagnostic tests like MRI, X-rays, and CT scans than those without such plans. High-deductible plans may discourage test use due to lack of informed decision-making by patients.
The new ESC guidelines recommend a multimodality imaging approach for diagnosing infective endocarditis, incorporating techniques such as PET-CT. A multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, is crucial for effective management.
A study found that computerized clinical decision support systems failed to identify relevant appropriateness criteria for most orders, resulting in 63.3% and 66.5% inaccuracies. Despite providing feedback, improvements in appropriate imaging ordering were not immediately observed.
Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.
A new study by the University of Sydney found that GP visits and initial assessments for back problems drive a significant rise in diagnostic imaging tests. Most imaging tests comply with guidelines, but GPs are twice as likely to order tests during first consultations.
The study analyzed low-value care in Medicare and found potential signs of overuse. It suggests that unnecessary services may be prevalent in the program, highlighting opportunities for improvement.
Researchers from Uppsala University use PET scanning to visualize elevated levels of NK1 receptors in painful tissue, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of chronic tennis elbow. The study provides a promising diagnostic method for localizing and diagnosing soft tissue pain.
A new study by the American College of Radiology found that any potential work efficiencies gained when different providers interpret different medical imaging scans on the same patient are minimal and vary by procedure. The study suggests that Medicare's estimates of potential work savings were greatly exaggerated, with a maximum redu...
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that the Canadian C-spine rule is more accurate than NEXUS in diagnosing important cervical spine injuries. The rule's better diagnostic accuracy and lower rate of false negatives make it a preferable choice for assessing cervical spine imaging needs.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that non-invasive diagnostic imaging costs to Medicare Part B dropped significantly between 2006 and 2010. The decline was attributed to reimbursement cuts and increased education on scan utilization.
Between 1996 and 2010, the use of advanced diagnostic imaging like CT and MRI tripled and nearly quadrupled, respectively. Estimated radiation exposure also increased substantially, with a significant association between CT usage and radiation dose.
A study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other gastrointestinal disorders receive significant doses of diagnostic radiation. Alternative, radiation-free imaging options are available, but evidence-based guidelines on reducing radiation exposure are still needed.
A medical school in Ireland has successfully implemented a radiation protection program for undergraduate medical students, improving their knowledge of radiation protection. The program was designed as an e-learning module and resulted in significant improvements in students' post-module radiation protection knowledge.
A recent study found that self-referral in medical imaging contributes to increased diagnostic imaging growth, with a 59.7% utilization rate of imaging services attributed to non-radiologist self-referers. The study estimates $3.6 billion in excess costs to Medicare Part B annually due to unnecessary imaging.
Researchers analyzed 198 cases of differentiated thyroid cancer patients in Japan and found that delaying treatment beyond 180 days increased mortality risk. The Society of Nuclear Medicine supports maintaining current regulations, citing existing scientific evidence as safe for patients and the public.
A new study reveals that Canada's MRI wait lists are severely managed, with inadequate prioritization and quality assurance processes in place. The research emphasizes the need for standardized processes to track and manage the appropriateness of MRI scans, ensuring equitable access and rapid treatment for patients who truly need them.
A recent study found that self-referring physicians account for the majority of increases in diagnostic imaging ordered for privately insured patients. This trend is driven by fee-for-service reimbursement, which incentivizes physicians to perform scans in their own offices. The use of advanced imaging technologies has raised concerns ...
A study found that approximately 27% of obese gastric bypass patients weighing over 450 pounds were denied standard diagnostic imaging due to weight restrictions. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and compromised patient care.
The new guideline recommends clinicians rely on evidence-based therapies, limit X-rays, and consider non-pharmacologic options like exercise therapy, chiropractic care, and massage. The guidelines aim to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and improve patient outcomes for low-back pain treatment.
A recent study examined the discrepancy rate of emergency diagnostic imaging exams interpreted by residents after hours and found that well-trained and supervised residents can interpret studies safely. The major discrepancy rate was 2.6%, with only a miniscule negative clinical effect found in 0.3% cases.
A study of over 300,000 medical procedures in Winnipeg found that high-income individuals were significantly more likely to receive diagnostic imaging services. The differences in access varied by procedure and patient illness level, highlighting the need for social policy interventions to address healthcare disparities.
A study analyzing hospital data from 1996 to 2002 found that diagnostic imaging costs remained stable as a percentage of hospital expenses. The study also showed that additional spending on imaging was associated with shorter hospital stays by approximately 0.26 days.
A recent study of 1,323 women reveals a significant gap in osteoporosis treatment based on fracture history. Women with past fractures are at a higher risk of future osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of considering fracture history in treatment decisions.
A recent study found that non-radiologist physicians performed 23.5% more diagnostic imaging tests than radiologists between 1997-2002, with increases twice as high for cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Vion will study the use of TAPET bacterial vector technology for tumor diagnostic imaging in preclinical animal models. The goal is to define molecular signatures that result in preferential accumulation of TAPET bacteria in tumors, enabling more effective diagnosis.