​In 2006, the AMA’s CPT® Editorial Panel established six Category III CPT® codes to describe cardiac computed tomography angiography with contrast materials (cardiac CT services) effective January 1, 2006. In 2010, the six codes were replaced with three Category I CPT® codes, 75572, 75573, and 75574.  The three codes have been paid in alignment with the HOPPS payment rate methodology based on geometric mean cost, ranging from $175-$265 from CY 2015 through CY 2024.

​Magnetic Resonance (MR) safety is a critical concern due to the powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. The MR environment has the potential to pose significant risks to patients with implanted medical devices or foreign bodies. These objects may heat up, move, or malfunction, potentially causing harm. Prior to 2025, there was no specific way to report the extra effort involved in assessing and mitigating these risks before an MR exam or procedure. Now, providers can be reimbursed for the essential tasks required to safeguard these patients, including implant or foreign body evaluation, implant positioning or immobilization, safety consultation, and preparation of electronic devices. This change acknowledges the importance of MR safety protocols and supports the necessary steps to protect patients while maintaining imaging quality. 

Teleradiology facilitates the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients across the globe by providing a crucial component of telemedicine and revolutionizing the way diagnostic imaging services are delivered. This innovation enhances access to specialized imaging interpretation services and significantly improves the efficiency and reach of healthcare delivery. Teleradiology is beneficial to healthcare services in many ways. The utilization of teleradiology services can enable a facility to reduce its out-of-pocket costs, provide 24/7 radiological services, increase the number of physicians available for consultation, and expedite and improve patient care.

In an era where technology increasingly intersects with healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a beacon of innovation, promising to redefine the contours of medical diagnostics and treatment. Healthcare is on the cusp of unlimited possibilities to integrate AI including large language models (LLMs), foundational models, multimodal fusion, and more. We are facing a massive challenge of healthcare burnout due to tedious duties and a shortage of qualified workers. There are high demands for faster and more accurate turnaround times with the expectation that a promising treatment or even cure is always around the corner. We have the opportunity to streamline medicine from predictive to diagnostics and treatment. 

Radiologist shortages. Recruiting challenges. Compensation struggles. Benchmarking confusion. Maintaining independence. AI concerns. 
 
The field of radiology faces constant challenges and opportunities for improvement, and staying ahead requires not just insight but foresight. From the recruitment of essential talent to navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, every radiologist and healthcare professional faces critical decisions that will shape the future of patient care. ​ 

Discover the Top 5 Challenges: Get an insider's look into the most pressing issues facing radiology today. ​

By: Ron DiGiaimo, MBA, FACHE | Orest Boyko, MD, PhD | John Montville, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE, FACCC, COA | Bri Driggers

“AI” is the hottest buzzword for 2023 – and maybe all of the 2020s. Some discussions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have included additional wording at the start of the phrase such as “Assistive”, “Augmented”, “Autonomous”, or “Adoption”. Regardless of the viewpoint, AI is on everyone’s mind, and it’s got many people divided on their perception of it. As with many technological innovations and advancements, the healthcare community is excited by innovation if they are early adopters, or reticent on this innovation and willing to be late adopters who tend to be in the majority of providers.  

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