News From Around the Web
> A Brigham Young University-University of Utah research team has created an MRI device they say can improve both the process and accuracy of breast cancer screening by scanning for sodium levels in the breast. Sodium concentrations are believed to increase in malignant tumors, so the research team believes that the addition of sodium MRI to a screening exam can provide both positive diagnostic information and decrease the number of false positives. Announcement
> The use of a ferromagnetic detection system is effective in detecting many kinds of metallic devices and objects that can find their ways into an MRI suite, and could prevent implant-related accidents, according to an article in the October issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology. Abstract
> A poll by ABC News as found that one in four women over the age of 50 report that they've never had a mammogram, and nearly half say they've never discussed breast cancer with a doctor, suggesting that health officials still face an ongoing challenge in keeping breast cancer at the forefront of the public attention. Article
Health Finance News
> The vast majority of healthcare executives plan to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by the end of the year, according to a recent survey from GE Capital Healthcare Financial Services. Eighty-eight percent of the 223 senior healthcare executives surveyed said M&A are on the horizon, while 43 percent reported they will pursue refinancing and 36 percent anticipated recapitalization as part of their growth strategies, the survey found. Article
Health IT News
> Healthcare organizations are intent on replacing or purchasing new revenue cycle management systems (RCM) for upgrades in pre-authorization and bill estimation, according to a new study from HIMSS Analytics. A survey of more than 500 organizations also found a high level of adoption for functions including determining eligibility and scheduling, but plenty of work yet to be done with charity screening and propensity to pay. Article
And Finally... Birthday cake out of order in courthouse. Article