A new standard for computed tomography (CT) scanners, established by the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance, is aimed at ensuring CT studies are performed on safe equipment that delivers high-quality images at the lowest possible radiation dose to patients. Starting in January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will implement a new payment incentive, authorized by Congress in 20...

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic rhinosinusitis are cared for by multiple specialties. Endoscopy and imaging are important diagnostic tools. However, because physicians vary in their access to imaging and endoscopy, testing may vary across specialties. The purpose of this study is to characterize differences in use of imaging and endoscopy between physician specialties. METHODS Using data fr...

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of death, cardiovascular events and the use of later non-scheduled imaging for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients suspected for CAD and discharged without a need for further examination or treatment from an outpatient clinic following coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a r...

Introduction: Portable ultrasound is extensively used in the delivery suite, and there is anecdotal evidence that ultrasound is increasingly common in routine outpatient gynaecological practice. We could find no published data regarding the prevalence of 'rooms' ultrasound use in outpatient gynaecology. Methods: A survey instrument was developed containing demographic questions about 'rooms' ul...

The exponential growth of CT imaging has been fueled by recent technical advances, improved diagnostic accuracy, and medicolegal pressures. CT imaging has replaced many more invasive and expensive tests and has proven itself an indispensable part of diagnostic medicine. This growth in CT imaging, however, has also been accompanied by an unavoidable increased cumulative radiation exposure to the...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of community-based myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and to assess the incremental value of individual components of (99m)Tc-sestamibi single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). BACKGROUND Although the most rapid growth of MPI has been in community outpatient laboratories, its prognostic value has not been val...