ACR wants Congress to pass Diagnostic Imaging Services Protection Act; Mayo develops new MRI pacemaker protocol;

News From Around the Web

> The American College of Radiology has announced it's support of the Diagnostic Imaging Services Protection Act, which would eliminate a 25 percent reduction to Medicare reimbursement for the interpretation of advanced diagnostic imaging scans performed on the same patient, in the same session, on the same day. Article

> A new protocol developed by the Mayo Clinic allows patients to undergo an MRI exam, even if they have a pacemaker. With the protocol, the pacemaker is programmed to a non-inhibited mode prior to the scan, which is monitored in real time by an electrocardiogram during the MRI procedure. After the exam, the pacemaker is reprogrammed to its original settings. Announcement

> Philips Electronics has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its MicroDose SI system, a full-field digital mammography system with the capability of enabling future single-shot spectral imaging applications. "Philips believes that spectral imaging technology will be important in helping clinicians to assess breast density and provide personalized care to women," said Lakshmi Gudapakkam, senior vice president and general manager of diagnostic X-ray and mammography solutions for Philips Healthcare. Announcement

Health IT News

> Despite projections that 1.8 million patients worldwide will be treated via telehealth by 2017, and increasing legislation in the U.S. to push such efforts, a team of British researchers has found that, at least for patients with chronic conditions, telehealth isn't all that effective for improving quality of life. Article

Health Finance News

> Often touted as a potential weapon against obesity and its associated costs to the healthcare system, a new study suggests bariatric surgery may not be an economical measure, after all. Article

And Finally… Dog shoots man. Article