News From Around the Web
> A test called "glucose chemical exchange saturation transfer" or glucoCEST, used in conjunction with MRI, can be used to detect cancers, according to researchers from University College London. Researchers, using MRI images that specifically look for glucose uptake, were able to identify brightly-colored tumors after the test subjects ate foods that were heavy in sugars, the International Science Times reported. Article
> GE Healthcare has advised users of its nuclear medicine systems from using the equipment until they have been inspected by GE engineers, AuntMinnie.com reported. The GE action occurred in the wake of an accident last month in which a patient was killed after a Hawkeye 4 gamma camera collapsed and fell on him. GE will examine systems to ensure that support mechanism fasteners for the cameras have been secured properly. Article
> Parents of children who brought their children to an emergency room with a head injury were unaware of the cancers risk associated with CT exams, according to a new Canadian study. After being informed of the potential cancer risks associated with CT, a willingness on the part of the parents to proceed with the exam if recommended by a doctor decreased from about 90 percent to slightly less than 70 percent, CBC News reported. Article
Health Finance News
> The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that would sharply reduce reimbursement for care of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Under the proposed rule, payments for ESRD care would be reduced a total of 9.4 percent in calendar year 2014, with a 9.3 percent reduction for hospital-based programs. Article
Provider News
> As Affordable Care Act implementation deadlines near, physician-patient discussions often don't include healthcare reform, according to a new poll by HealthPocket. The survey of 1,176 people found that half of all respondents who have a regular physician have not talked about the ACA with him or her. For patients whose physicians have discussed healthcare reform, 38 percent heard mostly negative comments, 33 percent said their doctors made mostly positive remarks and 29 percent heard neutral comments. Article
And Finally… Forget snail mail, how about snake mail? Article