Many of our readers are wondering how the federal health policy to require a 10.6 percent cut in Medicare’s physician reimbursement rates on July 1, 2008, and an additional 5 percent on January 1, 2009, will affect capital equipment purchases, technology and staffing.

Portable ultrasound devices have become the hot item in emergency rooms, ICUs, CCUs, prenatal care and outpatient settings. These techy gadgets have captured the interest of radiologists, cardiologists and other specialists alike. And, manufacturers are driven to bring the best devices to market for enhanced clinical decision-making and improved patient care. Mini-Market Gets Bigger