Dear AuntMinnie Member,
The clinical benefit of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has been well-demonstrated, but many women are still choosing to forego this valuable exam during screening. Financial considerations appear to be a significant factor in this decision.
Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine found that patients who would incur any out-of-pocket expenses for DBT are significantly less likely to receive the exam than those who have full insurance coverage. The results highlight the need to demonstrate to patients that DBT is worth the added cost, and for healthcare providers to advocate for 100% insurance coverage of DBT screening mammography, according to the group.
Click here for Editor Kate Madden Yee's coverage of the research, or stop by our Women's Imaging Community at women.auntminnie.com.
CMS plans for clinical decision support
Over the last month, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has shared its vision for implementing upcoming requirements that physicians consult appropriate use criteria (AUC) using a qualified clinical decision-support mechanism (CDSM) when ordering advanced imaging studies.
In addition to pushing back the program's start date until January 1, 2019, CMS indicated in a proposed rule that 2019 will be an "educational and testing year" during which radiologists will still receive full reimbursement whether or not their claims contain information about the required AUC consultation.
Early adopters, however, may benefit from a direct tie between the AUC program and Medicare's Merit-Based Incentive Program (MIPS). As Carin Carlson of Healthcare Administrative Partners explains in a new column, a proposed rule will give MIPS credit to ordering professionals for consulting AUC using a qualified CDSM beginning on January 1, 2018.
Click here to learn more, or check out our Imaging Informatics Community at informatics.auntminnie.com.
Luminal water MRI
Researchers from the University of British Columbia have reported some interesting results from applying a novel MRI technique to the challenge of detecting and grading prostate cancer.
Called luminal water MRI, the T2-based method measures the water distribution in tissue; the higher the water content, the more likely the tissue is normal. Conversely, lower water content can indicate malignancy because the tissue is losing its normal luminal structure, according to the researchers.
How well did luminal water MRI perform in testing? Click here for our report by Features Editor Wayne Forrest, or you can also visit our MRI Community at mri.auntminnie.com.
