For radiology practices and imaging centers still debating the pros and cons of Stage 2 meaningful use (MU), the calendar looms larger with each passing day. Stage 2 MU now begins in less than a year, and while eligible providers have until 2016 to attest to Stage 2, everyone must go through two years of Stage 1 attestation before progressing to the next stage. Arcadia Radiology Medical Group (ARMG) and California Medical Business Services went through the Stage 1 MU process early, in order to prepare for Stage 2. 

Advanced visualization software continues to make surgical planning more efficient and accurate as technology advances. Surgeons can map out procedures based on images from computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) exams, among other types of digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) modalities. The images allow physicians to see areas of interest from multiple angles, and isolate various structures, organs and vessels that are of interest in a matter of minutes. This advancement in technology has increased physician interaction and provided an opportunity for enhanced patient education that was not previously available. 
CT image iterative reconstruction iDose4 software from Philips showing improvement in image quality.

Radiation exposure from multidetector computed tomography (CT) has become a pressing public health concern in both lay and medical publications. Implementation of iterative reconstruction offers the ability to minimize radiation exposure while preserving and, in some cases, improving image quality. However, in order to evaluate iterative reconstruction software, one must first understand the basics of how it works. 

We are witnessing a new era in proton therapy research, with an unprecedented number of clinical studies under way. For three decades, research has focused heavily on pediatric tumors and tumors of the brain, spine and prostate, establishing that proton therapy is efficacious, enables precise targeting of tumors permitting higher doses of radiation with few short- and long-term side effects, and maintains a high quality of life for patients.[1-9] The treatment also has been shown to reduce the likelihood of treatment-related malignancies.[10] Researchers now are exploring the clinically meaningful benefit of proton therapy in diseases of high incidence, particularly lung and breast cancer, where the precision and limited side effects can provide effective treatment with significant long-term benefit to the patient. Initial results prove hopeful, especially for lung cancer, which remains the No. 1 cancer killer of both men and women.[11]
dense breast tissue shown by an ultrasound of breast
3-D volumetic ultrasound of breast
Automated 3D Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)

Breast mammography has become the standard diagnostic breast screening tool in women’s healthcare, aiding in the detection and intervention of early stage breast cancers. Some doctors have reported seeing a 30 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality since the implementation of routine screening mammography.[1] Due to such statistics, women are encouraged to get mammograms annually after the age of 40. However, the benefits of routine mammography have remained a controversial topic within the healthcare community. 

The phrase “doing more with less” is becoming more prevalent in tightening economic environments, and the operating room (OR) is one example of where hospitals are looking to maximize savings. Mobile C-arm units are important for maximizing space in the OR and can provide the image quality needed to visualize anatomy and devices during complex surgical procedures. The latest advances in mobile C-arms aim to provide users with the flexibility and ergonomics that can support accomplishing more in the OR with less.

The Women’s Breast Center at Stamford Hospital offers comprehensive breast care services to women of all ages, using high technology, a multidisciplinary and patient-centered approach to care, and community education and screening. The facility has been recognized by the American College of Radiology and the American College of Surgeons. The Women’s Breast Center is one of two locations for the Hospital’s mammography services, the other being the Darien Imaging Center. 

Introducing the Nuage suite of Cloud PACS solutions. With resilient data protection, replication and dynamic storage that allows firms to pay as they grow, Nuage facilitates secure, stable and scalable growth, managed by imaging workflow experts.

Between June and October, 2013, healthcare providers at hospitals and medical centers across the United States and Canada can experience GE Healthcare’s entire line of Centricity* Imaging technologies when the Centricity Imaging IT Tour visits locations in over 30 major markets.

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