Is ultrasound overused? And, Epix Pharma folds; CT and calcium scores

Dear AuntMinnie Member,

In what could be an ominous sign, U.S. regulators may be poised for a crackdown on ultrasound utilization similar to what's occurred for other imaging modalities.

A new government report found that nearly one-fifth of Medicare reimbursement claims for ultrasound scans show signs representing improper utilization of the technology, according to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Business editor Erik L. Ridley reports on the topic in our Ultrasound Digital Community.

The report found wide variation in ultrasound use and reimbursement across the U.S., with just 20 counties accounting for 16% of Medicare's spending on the modality. The OIG is recommending that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services more closely monitor claims for ultrasound services.

Read all about it by clicking here, or visit the community at ultrasound.auntminnie.com.

Epix Pharma folds

In other news, drug developer Epix Pharmaceuticals is shutting down in what could be a sign of the economic downturn's toll on development-stage companies. The Lexington, MA-based company this week terminated most of its employees and filed for liquidation of its assets.

Epix at one time had high hopes for its MS-325 contrast agent, designed for use with MR angiography to evaluate aortoiliac occlusive disease. But the firm had been struggling financially for the past year and sold off rights to the product in April.

Is Epix's fall a harbinger of bad news for other companies on the brink? Or is its situation unique? Find out for yourself by clicking here, or visit the MRI Digital Community at mri.auntminnie.com.

CT and calcium scores

Finally, read about a study presented at last week's Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography conference that indicates that negative CT calcium scores could be a sign of positive patient outcomes, even if patients have undetected coronary artery plaque.

Get the rest of the story in an article from international editor Eric Barnes by clicking here, or visit the CT Digital Community at ct.auntminnie.com.