by Curtis Kauffman-Pickelle
The following is not a trick question: What does the US Army’s legendary 82nd Airborne Division have in common with today’s medical-imaging…
by Cheryl Proval
Physicians are in a real bind as fee-for-service reimbursement falls under attack and alternative payment methods (such as bundling and capitation)…
We provide strategic business and marketing expertise to assist in the growth of your medical imaging enterprise.
Our clients include radiology practices, imaging centers, and hospitals in large and small markets across the country.
Imaging as You like it... Medical Imager Caters to Physician Print Preferences
July 28, 2010
On July 26, Medical Management Professionals Inc (MMP), a national billing and practice management firm, announced it had landed an exclusive billing contract with Gulf Imaging Associates, Pasadena, Texas. Gulf Imaging has six physicians on staff and offers a complete spectrum of diagnostic tests, including interventional radiology, neuroradiology, MSK radiology and body imaging. “MMP’s goal is to provide Gulf Imaging with higher revenue results so it has a greater opportunity to focus on patient care,” said Darrell Hulsey, president and CEO of MMP. “With MMPact Billing, MMP’s primary billing service, it is able to offer Gulf Imaging a specialized team of experts and state of the art technology that together will increase collections, reduce days in accounts receivable, and minimize compliance risks.”
InfraReDx recently announced it has received FDA 510(k) clearance for its LipiScan IVUS Coronary Imaging System. LipiScan IVUS is the first cardiac catheter to combine intravascular ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy, helping cardiologists identify and characterize the plaques that complicate stenting and are associated with acute coronary events. The system generates and displays the combined chemogram/IVUS analysis immediately upon completion of the single catheter pullback, and provides physicians with a “one-stop” visual determination of critical coronary features. InraReDx anticipates conducting a broad commercial launch of the system in the US by the end of this year.
Radiation Oncology Services of America (ROSA) and the department of radiation oncology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis recently announced their agreement to work together on a Cooperative Quality Assurance Project. During the partnership, Wash U’s radiation oncology department will review QA activities in a number of ROSA’s facilities and will work with the company to identify and build on best clinical practices. “I am confident that all ROSA employees keep patient safety at the forefront of everything they do in our centers,” said Greg Merrill, president and COO of ROSA. “But we must also continually challenge ourselves to ensure that we are providing the best and safest patient care. We welcome the chance to learn about ways to improve the quality of care in our delivery of radiation therapy for our patients.”
eRad recently announced that Radiology Associates of Beaumont, Texas has selected its teleradiology solution. The practice chose the web-based teleradiology system to better its service to large hospitals and primary care clinics in its service region. “eRAD’s web-based system enables our radiology group to read and report 24/7, while making results available to referring physicians easily and quickly,” said Gregory Diaz, MD, owner of the practice. “Our referring physicians can log on and see images and reports without proprietary software or intricate set-up. This allows our radiologists focus on quality patient care and builds a relationship of trust between us and our referring physician customers.”
On September 2, McKesson announced that the Association of Alexandria Radiologists (AAR), an independent radiology practice based in northern Virginia, has chosen the company’s Revenue Management Solutions (RMS) for radiology billing and practice management. The RMS reporting tools provide practices with real-time data and business intelligence on both big-picture and day-to-day operations; AAR selected the solutions to serve as an extension of its compliance initiatives. “We wanted a partner to help us manage complex coding and documentation requirements, address compliance regulations and oversee relationships with hospitals and payors,” said Sid Greenwell, CEO of AAR. “With the impressive array of resources McKesson can apply to our 26-physician practice, we are confident it is the right company to keep us at the top of our game.”
Independent, third-party research firm The HSM Group recently surveyed almost 50% of NightHawk customers for satisfaction on quality, service, and performance. In the survey of 355 customers serving around 800 sites, the company received top ratings in customer service, report quality and communication, and high ratings in communication of critical findings, accuracy of results, and access to NightHawk radiologists and personnel. “We are intensely focused on doing the right things to support the success of our customers,” said Dave Engert, CEO of NightHawk. “We are pleased with the overwhelming customer response and greatly value the candid feedback, and will use that knowledge to ensure that we continue to raise the standard for transparency, quality, customer service and patient care.”
A-Life Medical recently announced its inclusion in September 03, 2010
On August 30, Toshiba America Medical Systems announced the installation of its thousandth vantage MR system worldwide. Kosair Children’s Medical Center of Brownsboro, Kentucky, the only outpatient pediatric facility of its type in the state, is the site of the milestone; the new facility is part of the Norton Healthcare Network. The Vantage Atlas includes patient-friendly features such as an integrated coil system, which eliminates the need to reposition patients during exams, and feet-first imaging, which helps with patient nervousness. The system also includes Toshiba’s proprietary non-contrast imaging techniques, which can streamline the exam process significantly, especially with pediatric patients. “The thousandth worldwide MR install underscores Toshiba’s dedication to providing patient-focused imaging technology, which allows health care facilities to improve care for patients of every age and size,” said Doug Ryan, vice president of marketing and strategic development at Toshiba. “The patient-friendly design of the Vantage Atlas helps pediatric facilities deliver a more relaxed and efficient MR exam experience.”
Philips Healthcare recently launched the CX50 POC, a new point-of-care configuration for the company’s portable, compact CX50 ultrasound system. The unit enables clinicians to bring ultrasound to patients’ bedsides, and can be used for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and pain management as well as in critical, intensive, and emergency care settings. The system offers intuitive system controls, workflow features like one-button automated image optimization, and advanced capabilities for a range of focused exams and ultrasound-guided procedures. The company’s ultrasound service and support, ranked #1 by research firm IMV for seventeen years running, is available with the system, along with educational solutions for point-of-care ultrasound users.
Toshiba Installs Thousandth Vantage MR
September 03, 2010
Philips Introduces CX50 POC Ultrasound