Dear AuntMinnie Member,
A new study has found that using CT coronary artery calcium scoring to screen individuals at intermediate risk of heart disease may be cost-effective -- but only in men.
European researchers included CT calcium scoring among several preventive care options that could be used in intermediate-risk patients in a hypothetical patient population, according to an article we're featuring in our CT Digital Community. They then analyzed patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness for each approach.
While CT calcium scoring was the most expensive option, it was also the most effective in terms of adding quality-adjusted life-years for men. In women, however, CT was less cost-effective than other options. Learn more about this intriguing finding by clicking here.
Also in the community, learn about an initiative at a Michigan hospital to reduce radiation dose across the facility, rather than just at individual scanners. That's available by clicking here, or visit our CT Digital Community at ct.auntminnie.com.
Blues backs preauthorization plan
In other news, the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) yesterday riled the medical imaging community when it sent a proposal to Congress on how to realize $300 billion in Medicare savings -- in part by requiring preauthorization for advanced imaging services.
In making the pitch, BCBSA said that radiology benefits managers (RBMs) have already demonstrated their ability to reduce overutilization in the private sector, and the firms could produce a big benefit in public healthcare as well.
But imaging industry representatives were quick to oppose the proposal, stating that there are no peer-reviewed studies demonstrating the benefits of preauthorization, and that other tools are available that are more effective and less intrusive. Learn more by clicking here, or go to our Imaging Leaders Digital Community at leaders.auntminnie.com.
