Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Is a rebound for radiology just around the corner? The latest round of numbers from the Medical Imaging Confidence Index (MICI) hints at that tantalizing prospect.
A joint project between the AHRA and market research firm the MarkeTech Group, the index offers a forward-looking view of trends that could affect the radiology community. MICI is based on surveys of imaging managers who express their confidence in a basket of five issues that affect daily radiology operations.
For the past couple of years, MICI indicators have been trending downward, indicating a bleak perspective on the part of radiology managers. But the most recent numbers for the second quarter of 2014 bounced back, hinting that radiology could be on the road to recovery.
Still, caution is advised, as many of the changes aren't statistically significant. However, there were some significant changes found within the MICI data, offering hope that green shoots are finally appearing.
Are the data for real? Or just a mirage? See for yourself by clicking here, and be sure to watch our Google Hangout on what the numbers might mean.
ISCT returns to SF
The International Society for Computed Tomography (ISCT) is returning to San Francisco June 9-14 for its annual conference, coming back to the City by the Bay after last year's jaunt to Washington, DC.
The once-and-future location isn't the only change you'll find at the meeting, according to ISCT program director Dr. Geoffrey Rubin, who spoke with International Editor Eric Barnes about the changes afoot.
For one thing, ISCT will conduct a series of workshops to be held concurrently with the main presentations, enabling attendees to dive deeper into course material. Worried about missing something in the main hall? Don't be -- all presentations will be available for viewing later online.
ISCT will also repeat its live streaming of the meeting on AuntMinnie.com. All presentations will be available for viewing in real-time, free of charge, starting with the opening presentation at 7 a.m. Pacific time on Monday, June 9. Visit isct.auntminnie.com to make sure your PC has all the plug-ins you'll need to follow along from your home or office.
Read more about what's in store by clicking here, or visit our CT Digital Community at ct.auntminnie.com.
Is x-ray losing ground?
Finally, is conventional x-ray losing ground to more powerful imaging modalities? That was the question posed in the opening address at this week's German Society of Radiology congress, and we're featuring coverage of the talk on our AuntMinnieEurope.com sister site.
Reading radiography images opens up a treasure trove of information about patients, and it's a skill that should not be allowed to go fallow, according to congress president Dr. Stefan Diederich. X-ray has a number of advantages, such as its low cost and radiation dose, as well as ease of acquisition.
Learn more about this intriguing talk by clicking here, or visit AuntMinnieEurope.com.
