MITA Report Validates Use of Imaging Systems
A new report from the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) titled “The Value of Medical Imaging: Improving Outcomes and Reducing Costs” describes the benefits of medical imaging systems (pdf). The team responsible for preparation of the report reviewed the medical literature, noting the benefits demonstrated from use of imaging technologies.
The paper described the benefits of various imaging technologies, further considering the three most prominent approaches to assure that technology is appropriately utilized. Those are guidelines from professional societies, clinical educational programming, and certification or accreditation programs.
The New England Journal of Medicine has previously noted that improvements to imaging methods are one of the most significant developments to modify the practice of medicine in the past millennium. This is particularly relevant in light of the decreased reimbursement rates from payers. Nevertheless, both payers and legislators continue to suggest decreased payments for this modality.
One argument presented in the MITA paper is that imaging provides a significant return on investment. An example cited is utilization of CT angiography in patients presenting with stroke symptoms. Data previously reported that this assessment approach could save almost $1.2 billion every year.
An array of disease states are considered in the work including malignancy, appendicitis, and cardiac disease. The research team also discussed the benefits associated with imaging technologies to screen patients for cancers, such as breast and colon. Use, of course, in couched in the context of using the right imaging test for the appropriate patient.
July 3, 2008 Related topics: Imaging, Diagnostic