Global ultrasound market to hit by $8.7 billion by 2019; Most patients experience little pain during image-guided biopsy;

News From Around the Web

> The global ultrasound market is expected to grow at annual rate of 6.4 percent over the next five years, reaching $8.7 billion by 2019, according to a report by Transparency Market Research. According to DOTmed News, an aging population is driving the growth in ultrasound, as well an increase in diseases such as cardiovascular and oral diseases. 3- and 4-D ultrasound are the market segments expected to see the highest growth rates because of their enhanced abilities to accurately diagnose complex diseases, as well as their usefulness in neuro- and cardiovascular imaging. Article

> Most patients experience little pain when undergoing imaging-guided core-needle breast biopsies, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The researchers found that not only did most patients experience minimal pain during the procedure, but that those who reported experiencing pain had higher concerns than other patients about pain before undergoing biopsy. Article

> In a study examining how the use of bundled payments would affect the costs of cancer treatment, researchers determined that it could cut costs by one-third, with no significant decline in patient health, MedCity News reported. The study, published in the Journal of Oncology Practice, determined that the lower costs were the result of fewer radiation treatments, imaging tests and hospital stays. Article

Health Finance News

> Group purchasing organizations save hospitals as much as 18 percent on their costs, according to a new survey by the Healthcare Supply Chain Association (HCSA). Altogether, GPOs will likely save up to $864 billion for the entire U.S. healthcare system between 2013 and 2022. Article

Provider News

> Slim profits and even financial losses have caused many physician practices to curb their offerings for adult vaccines. What's more, pediatricians in small and solo practices are increasingly facing the same dilemma. Article

And Finally... Looks like LeBron wasn't the only one who returned home this past week. Article