2011 July

The business of healthcare in general and radiology specifically has grown exponentially more challenging in recent years. A variety of factorsan aging population, healthcare reform, evolving payment modelshave converged and unleashed a storm.

PACS has transformed radiology. But as more imaging-based specialties jump on the bandwagon and adopt or customize their own versions of PACS, many in radiology are reporting more problems with PACS. Health Imaging & IT spoke with radiologists and administrators to compile and address the 10 most vexing challenges.

Technologists may hold the express pass to optimized CT workflow. With dwindling reimbursement and CT bundling impacting departments of all sizes, the impetus to milk maximum productivity from CT investments is clear.

Handheld ultrasound devices have become a game changer due to their ability to facilitate rapid diagnoses and make imaging more accessible and immediate.

As the government and payors try to rein in imaging costs and eliminate inappropriate exams, a cascade of studies has attacked radiologys handling of incidental findings. Recent articles on pulmonary emboli, cardiac CT, emergency imaging and internal medicine have pointed to the high volume of incidentalomas that bring about additional testing, potential complications and on the whole, little change to patient management.