Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Radiology benefits management (RBM) firms have gained notice for their success in reducing overutilization by requiring preauthorization of advanced imaging exams. Now, a start-up firm is taking the RBM concept a step further by reviewing claims that have already been paid, and requesting repayment for studies it says were inappropriate.
RadMetrics believes that its approach offers payors a more comprehensive tool for managing imaging utilization -- and one that's already commonly used in other healthcare specialties. Staff writer Kate Madden Yee profiles the company in an article in our Imaging Center Digital Community.
But how will imaging facilities react when asked to pay back claims received for studies already performed, especially in an era of tight budgets? Learn more about RadMetrics and its business model by clicking here, or visit the community at centers.auntminnie.com.
VC 3D CAD for novice readers
In our Virtual Colonoscopy Digital Community this week, we're highlighting a story by staff writer Eric Barnes on the use of computer-aided detection (CAD) software for interpreting virtual colonoscopy studies in 3D mode.
Some studies have reported better results with novice readers using primary 3D interpretation compared to 2D review. In the new study, Italian researchers wanted to know whether adding CAD analysis to 3D could further improve sensitivity.
Novice readers did see improved performance using CAD with primary 3D interpretation, the group reported, but there was no effect on experienced readers. Learn more by clicking here.
In other news in the community, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has reported that at least three cases of HIV infection and over two dozen cases of hepatitis infection have occurred in patients who underwent optical colonoscopies with improperly sterilized endoscopy equipment at VA hospitals. The VA said that the cases have not necessarily been linked to the equipment, but the agency is investigating the incidents further. To read more, just click here, or visit the community at vc.auntminnie.com.
