Most Clicked ASNC SmartBrief Stories
1. Cardiologists are ordering fewer imaging tests, report shows
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
Cardiologists in 2011 were ordering fewer imaging tests for patients than three years earlier, according to a report from IMV Medical Information Division. The report explores referrals for tests including SPECT and SPECT/CT imaging as well as PET and PET/CT. The trend may be driven by appropriateness criteria guidelines as well as stricter requirements for reimbursement, according to an IMV researcher. MolecularImaging.net (02/10)
2. Congress reaches tentative deal on reimbursement rate
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
Congressional negotiators say they have agreed on language to stave off a 27.4% reduction in the Medicare physician reimbursement rate and extend unemployment benefits and a payroll tax reduction. The cost of the Medicare deal will be offset by cuts to a prevention and public health fund set up under the health care law, lower payments to hospitals dealing with bad debt and other cuts to health care spending. Wall Street Journal, The (02/15) New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (02/14)
3. CDC lists high-sodium foods that can raise heart risks
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
The CDC says 9 out of 10 adults consume too much dietary salt, raising their risk of heart disease and stroke. The agency's report lists the 10 foods that make up 40% of the sodium most people consume, with breads, processed meats, pizza, poultry and soups leading the way. CNN (02/07)
4. Imaging groups oppose Obama's 2013 budget proposal
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
Several imaging groups have expressed opposition to President Barack Obama's proposed budget for 2013, which includes imaging cuts. The administration's plan would raise the assumed use rate for advanced imaging devices and implement a prior-authorization program in Medicare for advanced diagnostic imaging. The cuts could limit services to patients and increase health care costs while affecting jobs, the groups said. MolecularImaging.net (02/15)
5. Obama budget includes $300 billion Medicare cut
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
President Barack Obama's proposed budget, to be released today, will reduce federal spending on Medicare by $300 billion over the next decade. Proposals will be similar to those included in a September deficit-reduction plan, administration officials said. Hill, The (02/10)
6. Group calls on CMS to reconsider policy on PET agents
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance is calling on CMS to rethink its coverage policy for PET agents and to remove language that blocks coverage for new PET tracers. "Though PET tracers have already demonstrated medical efficacy and promise, Medicare coverage is essential to improve patient access," the group said. MolecularImaging.net (02/14)
7. 2011 PQRS Incentive Still Available
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
ASNC is pleased to offer a resource to help members collect and report quality measure data for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) physician quality reporting system (PQRS) incentive program. ASNC’s PQRIwizard allows subscribers to efficiently and accurately submit PQRS data online. Submissions for the 2011 program through ASNC’s PQRIwizard are due Friday, Feb. 17, 2012. Click here to learn more. Blank (02/10)
8. Cardiac CT cost-effective for ED evaluations
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 15, 2012
Emergency-department cardiac CT is cost-effective for evaluating patients suffering possible acute coronary syndrome, a University of Washington study found. Researchers examined the cases of 102 patients facing low to intermediate risk of ACS. CCT evaluation cost 24% less than standard care, which includes a stress SPECT scan and other tests, at one year, according to the findings. CardiovascularBusiness.com (02/09)
9. Expert: Physician practices could do more to make full use of EHRs
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
More than half of physician practices have adopted EHRs, but most of them aren't optimizing their use of the technology, neglecting features such as electronic prescribing and appointment scheduling as well as patient portals, writes Paul Cerrato, citing an American Medical News report. Cerrato explains how practices can maximize their EHR investments, starting with setting up a patient portal. InformationWeek (02/10)
10. Image management EMR platform to debut at conference
ASNC SmartBrief | Feb 13, 2012
At next week's HIMSS 2012 conference, Agfa HealthCare will unveil its EMR-tailored Imaging Clinical Information System. The technology is designed to allow providers to capture, store, share and access medical images. HealthImaging.com (02/11)
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