MV Limited’s 2006 ServiceTrak ranked GE Healthcare number one in 13 key performance categories for Radiology/OB Ultrasound Service, including effectiveness in resolving problems, remote-service diagnostic efficiency and overall service performance relative to charge.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) announced that it has installed a dual source heart CT scanner and will begin operating it on October 9, as it expands its capabilities to perform noninvasive cardiac procedures faster and at less cost.
The dual source CT Somatom Definition by Siemens Medical reduces radiation by 50 percent compared to the 64-slice CT, in most cases will eliminate the need for beta blockers. MUSC made the $2.2-million investment and expects to see its return on investment by more quickly diagnosing of cardiac disease and incurring less cost.

Eastman Kodak Company unveiled its a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for its CR-based mammography platforms at the Breast Imaging Conference (BIC) this week.
The new CAD system, currently a works-in-progress, but expected to be introduced next year, uses sophisticated algorithms to assist radiologists in identifying suspicious areas on mammographic exams during a second read.

Imaging Dynamics Company (IDC) has announced the signing of a national distribution agreement with Toshiba Canada to distribute the IDC Direct Digital X-Ray product line.
Toshiba Canada provides sales, service and support directly to the highest ranking hospitals and medical institutions in Canada.
"This is an important milestone for IDC that delivers an unprecedented level of credibility and opportunity," stated Darryl Stein, president and CEO of IDC. "Toshiba Medical Systems is a recognized leader in medical imaging and its Canadian division is first in the world."

A new study by The Moran Company, a Washington-based healthcare research and consulting firm, reports that under the Deficit Reduction Act 2005 (DRA) medical imaging reimbursement rates would fall below the estimated costs of performing 90 percent of the medical imaging procedures in physician offices and independent imaging centers.
The report indicates that 145 imaging procedures within the aforementioned 90 percent include cardiac MRI; CT bone density, axial; acute venous thrombus image; tumor imaging 3-D; and ultrasound and pelvic exams.