Freestanding PACS
By Sheldon M. Stern
As costs and technological barriers fall, implementing a PACS network in a freestanding environment could become less an option and more a necessity

Appropriateness of Imaging Examinations
By Thomas G. Dehn, MD; Brent O'Connell, MD, MHSA; R. Morton Hall, MD; and Timothy Moulton, MS
The experience of a major Pennsylvania health insurer suggests that targeted educational feedback-unlike negative financial incentives-can improve quality and reduce inappropriate utilization

Outsourcing Radiology
By Mark Domalewksi, MBA, MS, and Jeffrey S. Oxendine, MBA, MPH
Two radiology departments on opposite sides of the country negotiated agreements with hospital administration to outsource radiology

Ultrasound: The Next Generation
By Wendy J. Meyeroff
In order to have its widest possible impact on patient care, the increasingly sophisticated modality of ultrasound must find an appropriate level of reimbursement

New Practice Model
By David C. Levin, MD
Part II: To maintain salaries and its research mission in the face of declining reimbursements, one academic radiology department expands its reach

DEPARTMENTS

Viewpoint
The Multimillion Dollar Question: But Who Will Pay?
By Cheryl Proval

GUEST EDITORIALOpportunity in Disguise
By M. Peter Adler, JD
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act could be a catalyst for standardizing how patient health information is handled

Cover Story /In Practice
Making Informatics Mission Critical
By Rich Smith
Within 12 to 24 months, the movement of all radiological information between Brigham and Women's Hospital and its partners will be deployed on or conducted from the Internet

Imaging Business
Full-Service Radiology
By Karen Zupko
Radiology groups aspiring to be best in class are well advised to give service a higher priority in the 21st century

Technology Economics Review
Women's Imaging: A Timely Idea
By Carol Daus
As the population ages, the need will grow for state-of-the-art, patient-friendly one-stop shopping for women's health care

For more information about this publication, visit www.imagingeconomics.com.