Archive for May, 2011
Safety and Quality, a Low Dose Skeletal Study in 3D
The sterEOS is a X-ray-based biplane system with a 3D workstation. Along with the ability to provide 1:1 3D images of a patients skeletal system, its xenon gas detector delivers less than 10% of the radiation as existing film X-ray technology and up to 1,000 times less than a CT scan. This makes it very attractive for younger patients. Read More »
Time-Reversed Ultrasound
Ultrasound technology has evolved to view just about every area of the body but it still has its limitations in efficiently penetrate varying tissues, which has limited ultrasounds ability to treat and image critical areas of the body such as the brain, liver, and heart. But, time-reversed ultrasound is an emerging technology designed to improve the accuracy of both imaging and therapeutic ultrasound technology. Read More »
Ventricular Reshaping the Heart, an Emerging Treatment
The promise of preventing heart valve leakage without the need for surgical replacement or cardio-pulmonary bypass technology has several companies developing devices. Designs are based on a combination of biocompatible mesh wraps and strips that are implanted around the heart. These can be adjusted to help the heart muscle keep its shape over time, thus, allowing the valves to open and close properly. Read More »
3D Water Bath Ultrasound: Next Generation in Cancer Imaging
Warm Bath Ultrasound (WBU) is a new technology designed to produce 3D breast images in less than 10 minutes. Its based on placing the breast in a warm water bath surrounded by multiple ultrasound transducers, allowing near instantaneous tomographic imaging of the tissue. Read More »
Magnetic Depression Therapy: A Reimbursable Option
Magnetic depression therapy is the only FDA-approved treatment for depression that does not include drugs or shock therapy. Based on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), this therapy is a noninvasive process that uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate the neurons in the brain. This neuron activity changes the functions in the treated areas of the brain. Along with treating severe depression, it is also being studied for the treatment of stroke, Parkinsons disease, epilepsy, and migraines. Read More »
CMS Restores Osteoporosis Scan Payments
According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 44 million Americans over age 50 are at risk for fracture due to osteoporosis, and most people do not know they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. This makes screening all the more important. Although ultrasound and CT are capable of diagnosing osteoporosis, DEXA scans are currently the gold standard. However, the declining reimbursement over the last few years has made it difficult for providers to prescribe DEXA as a routine screening technology. Now, with the 2011 increase, both patients and providers will see the benefits of the technology. Read More »
T-rays: Low Cost, Next-Generation Imaging
Terahertz radiation uses electromagnetic energy that falls between light and microwave radiation. The technology is non-ionizing, which makes it safer than X-rays, and offers spectral analysis imaging. It can also penetrate tissue to 3 to 4 cm. Medical applications include wound care, cancer, and arthritis diagnosis. Read More »
Cardiac Rehab: CMS Increases Per-Patient Payment by $1,100
We have great news for cardiology service lines: the 2011 payment level for outpatient cardiac rehabilitation will see an increase from $38 to $69 (APC 0095). This may not seem like it will make a significant impact, but considering that CMS covers up to 36 one-hour sessions per patient, this translates to over $1,100 in additional revenue (per patient) for hospitals and $200 for physicians. Read More »
330% Increase in Reimbursement for ILR
Prior to 2011, CPT 93299 (implantable loop recorder monitoring system data management) was assigned to APC 0689 (electronic analysis of cardioverter-defibrillators). The code is intended to reimburse the hospital for the receiver station, the remote storing, and review of the data by a technician. The increase in payment is a result of CMS assigning the CPT code 93299 to APC 0691 (electronic analysis of programmable shunts/pumps). Read More »