Dear AuntMinnie Member,
A new study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine once again puts the spotlight on radiation dose and medical imaging.
U.S. researchers tracked the radiation dose received by nearly 1 million adults over a two-year period, finding that CT and nuclear medicine modalities alone contributed to 75% of the cumulative dose delivered. They conclude that medical imaging is an important source of ionizing radiation in the U.S.
Radiology advocates are advising that the study results be taken in context and, in particular, are blasting an editorial that appeared in NEJM alongside the study, claiming that "most radiologic imaging tests offer net negative results."
Read all about the controversy by clicking here.
Radiation oncology braces for CMS cuts
In other news, as the U.S. medical imaging community prepares for what could be severe reimbursement cuts, radiology's brethren in radiation oncology are bracing for even steeper reductions.
A story in our Radiation Oncology Digital Community reports that radiation oncology providers could see overall reimbursement cut by an average of 19% under a proposal from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) -- with some procedures slated for reductions of up to 44%.
Radiation oncologists predict major ramifications if the proposal goes through, with many facilities being forced to close, according to the article by associate editor Cynthia E. Keen. And time is running out for radiation oncology to make its voice heard: the comment period for the new rates expires on Monday.
Read all about the proposal by clicking here, or visit the Radiation Oncology Digital Community at radiation.auntminnie.com.
Patients prefer VC
In other news, a new study out of the Netherlands indicates that patients show a strong preference for virtual colonoscopy over optical colonoscopy when a reduced-prep regimen is used.
The study looked at patients with risk factors for colon cancer, and had them undergo both VC and the traditional exam, according to an article in our Virtual Colonoscopy Digital Community by international editor Eric Barnes.
Despite some side effects with the virtual exam, most patients expressed a preference for it compared to optical colonoscopy. Learn more about the results by clicking here, or visit the community at vc.auntminnie.com.
