▼ ADVERTISEMENT
Editor's E-Note
The demand for medical imaging shows no signs of abating, and making sure your facility has adequate radiology coverage has never been more important. This month, we’re taking a look radiology coverage agreements. Specifically, do you know the important questions to ask when assessing your needs? Read on to find out.
For more of the latest imaging news, visit us on X, formerly known as Twitter, and/or Facebook.
Enjoy the newsletter.
— Dave Yeager, editor |
|
|
| In This E-Newsletter
|
▼ ADVERTISEMENT
 |
|
|
▼ ADVERTISEMENT
 
Three Questions: Radiology Coverage Agreements
By Zachary Doolin and Lyle Oelrich, Jr
Are you asking the right questions when assessing the value of a radiology coverage agreement? The field of radiology is much more complicated than traditional diagnostic radiology. Comprehensive radiology coverage includes multiple subspecialties and various types of coverage models. To appropriately understand the value of a radiology coverage arrangement, you must fully understand all services being provided, how they are being provided, who is providing them, how radiology is different from other hospital-based specialties, and arrangement alternatives. In this article, we will discuss several questions to consider when appraising the value of radiology coverage.
Question 1: Subspecialties
When evaluating a radiology coverage agreement, the first question to ask is, “Which subspecialties are clinically required?” Each subspecialty of radiology has unique characteristics that are important to understand and impact the value of the services. For example:
- Diagnostic radiologists interpret a wide range of imaging studies to diagnose conditions in organ systems throughout the body. Diagnostic radiologists can provide coverage on-site or virtually.
- Interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance. These procedures typically occur in hospitals (often in dedicated interventional suites or operating rooms) and sometimes in specialized outpatient centers. The services are usually performed on-site, rather than virtually.
- Breast and mammography radiologists focus on screening and diagnosing breast diseases, particularly breast cancer, by using imaging studies and biopsies. The screening and diagnosis are often performed in breast imaging centers, outpatient radiology facilities, and cancer centers (which may require special valuation consideration).
Other subspecialties of radiology include pediatric, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, cardiothoracic, nuclear medicine, neurointerventional, and more. The value of each is as unique as the service itself. For example, pediatric radiology and neurointerventional radiology treat distinctly different patient populations, have different training requirements, and treat patients from different payer environments.
The unique attributes of each radiology subspecialty can lead to different valuation approaches and results, impacting the total value of a radiology coverage agreement. The reimbursement for pediatric radiology, for instance, may be lower than that of adult radiology.
|
AI Interprets Liver Ultrasound
According to a study published in the journal JMIR AI, researchers have utilized ChatGPT-4 to analyze liver ultrasound to determine its efficacy.
Updates to Brain Imaging
Previously inaccessible regions of the brain may now be imageable, thanks to a study tracking light that has traveled through a human head. The study is published in Neurophotonics.
New Cancer Treatments Could Protect Patients’ Immune Systems
In a presentation at the International Conference on Advances in Radiation Oncology, Professor Weisi Yan, MD, PhD, shared his research into new cancer treatments that not only fight cancer but also “mobilize” the body’s natural defenses, the University of Kentucky reports.
|
“Our system, which is called OneTouch-PAT, combines advanced imaging, automation, and artificial intelligence—all while enhancing patient comfort. More work is needed before it can be used in clinical settings, but we’re excited about OneTouch-PAT’s potential to augment current imaging methods and help fight this terrible disease.”
— Jun Xia, PhD, professor in the University of Buffalo’s department of biomedical engineering, on a study regarding a new, pain-free breast cancer screening system |
|
|
COVER STORY
Lifting Off
X-ray technology in space breaks new ground for imaging portability and further promotes the health and well-being of astronauts.
FEATURE
A Helping Hand
Numerous emerging AI business platforms aid radiologists in balancing various imaging and administrative tasks.
|
|
|
| Advertising Opportunities |
Have a product or service you want to market to radiology professionals? Utilize the reach of Radiology Today Magazine to accomplish your marketing goals. Email our experienced account executives today at sales@gvpub.com or call 800-278-4400 for more information.
|
| © 2025 Radiology Today Magazine |
|
|
