Vesta Teleradiology | Blog updates

Breast Imaging 2025–26: Risk Models, CEM/MRI Momentum — RSNA Preview

RSNA 2025 is putting real energy behind risk-adjusted screening and the evolving roles of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and breast MRI. For breast programs, the takeaway is practical: risk tools are moving from the research poster to the reading room, and CEM/MRI decisions are becoming operational levers you can plan around—especially for dense-breast pathways and overflow routing to subspecialists.

What’s new at RSNA: risk from the image itself

RSNA’s breast-imaging preview highlights sessions on image-only, 5-year breast cancer risk models, external validation work, and how MRI adds value in multi-modal AI. It also calls out global screening updates and a deeper look at background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on MRI. RSNA

In parallel, the FDA granted De Novo authorization to the first image-only AI risk platform that predicts 5-year risk directly from a screening mammogram—an inflection point that makes risk-adjusted pathways far more scalable. Coverage from Radiology Business and BCRF explains the authorization and clinical intent. Radiology Business

Why it matters: average-risk guidance in the U.S. now begins screening at age 40 (USPSTF, 2024). Programs can layer image-based risk on top of that baseline to triage who needs annual vs. short-interval follow-up and who merits supplemental imaging. USPSTF

CEM is earning a seat next to MRI

Expect exhibits and sessions positioning CEM as a cost-effective, accessible adjunct—particularly for dense-breast populations and diagnostic workups. RSNA News recently framed CEM as a practical alternative to MRI in some screening/diagnostic scenarios, and new peer-review literature is refining technique (e.g., lower volume/higher-iodine contrast while preserving diagnostic performance). RSNA

On outcomes, the RACER trial in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe reported that using CEM as primary imaging for recalled women improved the accuracy and efficiency of the work-up compared with conventional imaging—evidence that will influence protocols beyond the show floor. The Lancet

MRI still leads for sensitivity—BPE is your underused signal

Breast MRI remains the sensitivity champion for high-risk patients and for problem solving. This year’s RSNA content spotlights BPE—how the level of background enhancement relates to tumor biology and outcomes. Recent reviews (2024–2025) synthesize BPE’s predictive/prognostic value, including associations with pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant therapy and survival in certain subtypes. SpringerLink

Practical move: standardize how you document BPE and incorporate it into structured reports and risk conferences; it’s becoming more than a descriptive footnote.

What to ask vendors at RSNA

Risk engine proof: “Show external validation and calibration plots by density and race; how does your image-only model integrate into our mammography worklist and letters?”
CEM logistics: “Demonstrate CEM acquisition workflows, contrast protocols, and how your viewer handles subtraction/kinetics alongside priors.”
MRI + BPE analytics: “Can we standardize BPE capture in structured reports and trend it across treatment?”

As risk-first screening, CEM, and MRI gain real traction, the winners will be the programs that operationalize them quickly and consistently. If you’re planning your 2026 breast-imaging playbook, stop by Vesta at RSNA to see how our subspecialists, standardized templates, and overflow routing make risk-adjusted pathways usable on day one.

Imaging the Individual — In the Trenches: AI, Personalization & Equity at RSNA 2025

RSNA’s 2025 theme, Imaging the Individual, isn’t just about futuristic science—it’s about doing the basics better for each patient, every day. The official Trending Topics preview highlights three threads cutting across subspecialties: AI you can deploy, personalized care you can operationalize, and equity you can measure. This guide translates those themes into practical checkpoints hospitals and imaging centers can use right now. RSNA

1) AI that graduates from pilot to practice

This year’s agenda emphasizes real outcomes over proofs of concept: reader-in-the-loop tools, bias monitoring, and governance. In breast imaging alone, RSNA previews spotlight external validation for image-only risk models and integration of MRI signals into multimodal AI—clear signals that “personalization” is landing in routine workflows. Bring vendor questions that force specifics: external validation cohorts, drift detection, and how metrics (TAT, recalls, rework) appear in your dashboard. RSNA

What to set up before RSNA: define 3–5 outcome metrics and insist every demo shows pre/post performance tied to those measures. Use QIBA concepts to push for standardized inputs/outputs so results are reproducible across scanners and sites. QIBA Wiki

2) Personalization that reaches the reading room

Personalization isn’t only radiogenomics. RSNA’s preview points to risk-stratified pathways you can actually run: e.g., image-only 5-year breast cancer risk at the point of screening to route patients into annual vs. short-interval follow-up or supplemental imaging (CEM/MRI). That pairs well with updated U.S. recommendations: screening beginning at age 40 for average-risk women, then adjusting based on risk and local policy. Build routing rules, templates, and letters now, so RSNA demos can plug into your plan.

Operational checklist:

Map risk thresholds → next steps (annual vs. short-interval, CEM/MRI).
Standardize templates so risk outputs appear consistently in reports and patient letters.
Decide who reviews outlier risk flags and how quickly (SLA).

3) Equity you can instrument—not just endorse

RSNA is foregrounding health equity, with sessions on encoding equity in AI and addressing access gaps for underserved communities. Equity becomes real when you can see it in your data: turnaround times by language, missed-appointment patterns by zip code, recall rates by screening site, and AI performance by subgroup. Build those slices into your analytics now; then ask vendors to show subgroup performance in their dashboards.

Practical moves:

Add demographic and language filters to your TAT and recall reports.
Require AI vendors to show calibration and error analysis by subgroup.
Stand up multilingual patient letter templates to support new screening starts at 40. USPSTF

4) CEM/MRI momentum: choose the lever that fits your service line

RSNA coverage calls out CEM as an increasingly practical adjunct—especially useful for dense-breast populations and diagnostic workups where capacity or cost limits MRI. The RACER trial reported higher accuracy and efficiency for CEM as the primary exam for recalled women vs. conventional imaging—evidence that can justify protocol changes and equipment planning. Meanwhile, MRI retains the sensitivity crown, with renewed attention on background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) as a signal worth documenting consistently.

Action items:

Decide where CEM fits: diagnostic recall pathway, dense-breast supplemental strategy, or both.
Add BPE level to structured MRI reports and trend it during therapy response clinics.

5) Governance, not guesswork

If personalization is the “what,” governance is the “how.” Use QIBA ideas—claim definitions, acquisition standards, and profile adherence—to control variability across devices and shifts. Tie RSNA learnings to a written governance plan with three parts: 1) protocol book (who owns it, update cadence), 2) quality book (metrics, subgroup views), and 3) AI book (approval process, monitoring, rollback).

6) Where teleradiology extends your capacity

Personalization increases complexity at peaks (recalls, dense-breast seasons, MR backlogs). A teleradiology partner helps you keep individualized pathways moving: standardized templates, subspecialty over-reads, and after-hours coverage that adheres to your risk rules and equity metrics—so “Imaging the Individual” doesn’t stop at 5 p.m.

Headed to RSNA?

Visit Vesta at Booth 1346 (South Hall) to see how we make “Imaging the Individual” work in real clinics—then enter to win a 1-year Medality CME subscription. Don’t wait: email “RSNA CME Entry” to info@vestarad.com now for a reserved entry, and show your confirmation at the booth for a bonus entry.

What Is Medality—and Why a One-Year Membership Is a Big Win for Radiologists

If you’ve heard colleagues mention “MRI Online,” you’ve already met Medality—the platform’s new name and broader vision for case-based radiology education and CME. Medality

Medality offers a large, searchable library of subspecialty courses and real cases designed for busy readers. The program is ACCME-accredited to provide AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, with 700+ hours available to claim—so credits count toward common licensure, MOC, and credentialing needs. (For context on AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and ACCME alignment, see AMA/ACCME guidance.) American Medical Association

What makes Medality valuable in day-to-day practice

Case-based, time-efficient learning. The library is built around short, expert-led “microlearning” lessons you can fit between cases—so you steadily upskill without disrupting coverage.

Hands-on practice with scrollable DICOMs. Medality’s case archive includes fully scrollable CT/MR studies plus brief video explanations and quizzes, helping sharpen detection speed and reporting confidence on high-yield findings.

Depth across subspecialties. From neuro and MSK to breast, cardiac, ED and beyond, courses and case sets let you target the areas your case mix demands most.

Accredited CME you’ll actually use. With 700+ AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available (and more added regularly), radiologists can chip away at requirements continuously rather than scrambling at renewal time.

Why this RSNA prize matters for teams—not just individuals

Training without lost coverage. Because lessons are on-demand and bite-sized, radiologists can learn after hours or between reads, preserving TAT while still building subspecialty confidence.

Goal-aligned upskilling. If your facility is seeing more chest pain workups, stroke alerts, or MSK injuries, you can steer readers to focused tracks and track progress via CME claims over the year.

Credentialing peace of mind. AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ is widely accepted across hospitals and state boards, making a one-year membership a practical asset for QA plans and reappointments. (See the AMA/ACCME alignment noted above.) American Medical Association

“Is it really a $1,500 value?”

Medality’s public promos frequently reference savings or membership values up to $1,500 on premium or multi-year packages—useful as a benchmark for how substantial a full-year membership is compared with typical online CME.

Where Medality complements Vesta’s AI-enabled reading

Vesta blends subspecialty expertise with a pragmatic partner-plus-platform AI approach—dictation, PACS/VNA, and algorithm marketplaces—to deliver predictable quality and TAT. Continuous learning via Medality strengthens the skills behind that workflow, while Vesta’s operations and AI strengthen the throughput—a combined, durable path to better patient care.

How to enter the giveaway
Stop by RSNA 2025 Booth 1346 (South Hall) or email info@vestarad.com with subject “Medality CME Giveaway.” One entry per attendee; winner announced after RSNA.

About Vesta Teleradiology

Vesta provides 24/7 subspecialty reads, customizable coverage models, and seamless workflow integration for health systems, imaging centers, and rural hospitals nationwide. Learn more at vestarad.com.

Powering Quality and Efficiency Through AI

Elevating Radiology. Expanding Access. Enhancing Care.

Vesta Teleradiology is redefining radiology delivery by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into our diagnostic and operational workflows – helping hospitals of every size achieve higher quality, faster turnaround, and greater consistency in patient care.

Through our newly launched partnerships with Qure.ai and Carpl.ai, Vesta is bringing the benefits of AI assisted imaging to both large health systems and rural or underserved communities across the nation. This innovation enhances the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of radiology services – ensuring clinical excellence reaches every patient, everywhere.

AI Partnerships Driving Clinical Quality and Efficiency

Vesta now integrates Qure.ai’s FDA cleared AI solutions directly into our reading workflow to support both CT and X-ray imaging. For CT Brain (Non-Contrast), the AI automatically detects intracranial hemorrhages, fractures, and mass effect to improve triage and accelerate emergency response times. For Chest X-rays, it identifies nodules, effusions, and acute pulmonary findings to strengthen diagnostic consistency and enable earlier intervention. These tools work as a co-pilot for radiologists – helping prioritize critical studies, standardize interpretations, and deliver higher-quality reports with precision and speed.

Vesta also leverages Carpl.ai’s enterprise grade AI platform for musculoskeletal (MSK) fracture detection, enabling faster identification of subtle skeletal injuries that are often missed under high volume workloads. This integration enhances both radiologist efficiency and patient safety by improving consistency, turnaround times, and workflow throughput.

Expanding AI Across Vesta’s Clinical and Operational Ecosystem

In addition to our partnerships with Qure.ai and Carpl.ai, Vesta continues to implement AI across the organization to enhance both clinical quality and operational efficiency. Through RadPair, Vesta improves dictation accuracy, peer review workflows, and reporting analytics for radiologists – driving consistency and precision across the reading process.

On the operations side, Vesta has developed and launched an AI based support platform that allows staff to instantly retrieve internal protocols, radiologist schedules, credentialing data, and study specialty details from a centralized location. These tools streamline communication, improve turnaround time, and strengthen coordination across departments – supporting faster, more efficient service for clients and radiologists alike.

AI with a Purpose: Clinical Quality Care for All

Vesta’s mission has always been clear – to combine technology, compassion, and clinical excellence to improve access to quality radiology care. By implementing these AI partnerships and innovations, we’re ensuring faster turnaround for emergent and high acuity studies, improved diagnostic accuracy through validated AI support, greater access for rural and underserved hospitals, and consistent quality across every facility, 24/7/365.

These advancements reaffirm Vesta’s leadership as a trusted partner in AI driven radiology innovation, bringing cutting edge technology to the frontlines of patient care while optimizing the systems that support it.

About Vesta Teleradiology

Vesta Teleradiology is a Joint Commission-Accredited, 24/7/365 radiology provider serving hospitals, imaging centers, and healthcare systems nationwide. Our team of board-certified radiologists delivers timely, accurate, and secure interpretations – now further enhanced by AI technology to support faster decisions, higher quality, and better outcomes.

Interested in learning how Vesta’s AI powered radiology can support your hospital or health system?
Contact us at info@vestarad.com or visit www.vestarad.com/contact to schedule a demo or consultation.

Attribution:
Vesta Teleradiology integrates third party AI technologies through collaborations with Qure.ai, Carpl.ai, and RadPair. Descriptions of imaging and workflow capabilities in this publication are based on publicly available clinical use cases and are provided for informational purposes only. All content and messaging on this page are original to Vesta Teleradiology.

Precision Imaging at RSNA 2025: Radiomics, Biomarkers, and the Era of Multi-Omics Integration

As radiology moves deeper into the era of precision medicine, quantitative imaging is transforming from a promising research tool to a clinical driver of individualized care. The convergence of radiomics, imaging biomarkers, and multi-omics integration represents one of the most exciting frontiers showcased under RSNA 2025’s theme, “Imaging the Individual.”

Radiomics — the extraction of high-dimensional quantitative features from medical images — allows the characterization of tissue heterogeneity beyond what can be perceived visually. These features, derived from modalities such as CT, MRI, or PET, have been linked to tumor phenotype, gene expression, and therapeutic response across oncology, neurology, and cardiology studies (Springer, 2024).

Imaging Biomarkers in Practice

Validated imaging biomarkers are redefining how clinicians stratify patients, monitor disease, and predict outcomes. Quantitative features from radiomics pipelines can act as noninvasive surrogates for histopathologic or molecular data, guiding therapy selection and prognosis assessment. For instance, radiomic signatures have shown potential in predicting response to immunotherapy and correlating with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in non-small cell lung cancer (ScienceDirect, 2020).

In cardiovascular and neuroimaging applications, biomarkers derived from texture and perfusion patterns are being explored to detect subclinical disease, assess ischemic risk, and evaluate treatment efficacy. The promise lies in moving from population averages toward individualized predictions based on each patient’s unique imaging phenotype.

Radiogenomics and Multi-Omics Integration

The next step in precision imaging is radiogenomics — linking imaging phenotypes with genomic and proteomic data to uncover biologically meaningful correlations. Integrating imaging with multi-omics datasets enables the creation of comprehensive disease models that reflect both spatial and molecular dimensions.

Recent reviews highlight the potential of AI-driven multi-omics integration to refine cancer subtyping, prognostication, and therapeutic decision-making (British Journal of Radiology, 2025) and (ScienceDirect, 2025). Federated approaches and multi-modal AI models are emerging to harmonize these heterogeneous datasets while preserving privacy and reproducibility.

Projects such as NAVIGATOR, a regional imaging biobank integrating multimodal imaging with molecular and clinical data, illustrate how research infrastructure is catching up to these ambitions (European Journal of Radiology, 2025).

From Quantitative Imaging to Clinical Translation

Despite the promise, clinical translation remains the critical frontier. Feature reproducibility, acquisition standardization, and regulatory validation continue to challenge adoption (Insights into Imaging, 2020). However, the increasing presence of quantitative imaging biomarkers in prospective trials, along with support from the Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) and FDA’s digital health framework, signals that this research is crossing the threshold into practice.

At RSNA 2025, expect sessions emphasizing standardization of radiomics workflows, reproducibility metrics, and AI-assisted integration of multi-omics data. Discussions will likely center on how to validate imaging biomarkers in multi-institutional settings and what infrastructure is required for clinical scalability.

The Role of Teleradiology in Precision Imaging

For teleradiology providers like Vesta, these developments offer both opportunity and responsibility. The same digital infrastructure that enables subspecialty coverage across time zones can support quantitative image analysis, data harmonization, and longitudinal tracking — essential foundations for radiomic and biomarker validation.

By aligning with quantitative imaging standards and collaborating with research institutions, teleradiology networks can help bring precision imaging insights into real-world practice — from oncology to cardiovascular disease management.

Precision imaging is not a distant future — it’s the next evolution of radiology happening now.

At RSNA 2025, Vesta will be on site to explore how radiomics, biomarkers, and AI-driven data integration are redefining what it means to truly “image the individual.”

What’s New in Breast Density and Mammography: Fall 2025 Update

Why breast density remains a frontline issue

Breast density continues to be one of the most important—and complex—factors in breast cancer screening. Dense breast tissue not only raises cancer risk but also makes abnormalities harder to detect on mammograms. For hospitals and imaging centers, keeping up with evolving regulations, trial data, and technology is no longer optional. It’s central to compliance, patient communication, and imaging strategy.

FDA updates the national reporting standard

In July 2025, the FDA approved changes to the breast density reporting standard under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). This builds on the September 2024 rule requiring that all mammography reports inform patients whether their breasts are “dense” or “not dense.”

Hospitals should review their reporting templates now. The updated language affects how results must be communicated to both patients and referring clinicians. Staying compliant avoids liability and ensures consistent, patient-friendly communication across facilities.

New trial evidence favors MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography

The interim results of the BRAID trial in the U.K. made headlines this summer. Among women with dense breasts and negative mammograms, supplemental abbreviated MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) identified significantly more invasive cancers than ultrasound.

MRI and CEM: ~15–19 extra cancers detected per 1,000 women screened
Ultrasound: ~4 extra cancers detected per 1,000

These findings were reported in the OBG Project’s summary of the BRAID interim results.

While recalls and contrast risks remain a concern, the data strengthen the case for offering advanced supplemental imaging in high-density populations. Hospitals may want to begin planning how to integrate MRI or CEM into workflow, or establish referral pathways for patients with very dense breasts.

MBI joins the conversation

Molecular breast imaging (MBI), when paired with digital breast tomosynthesis, is showing early promise in improving invasive cancer detection in women with dense breasts. Findings from the Density MATTERS trial highlight MBI as a potential alternative for hospitals with limited MRI or CEM capacity.

AI-enabled density assessment and multimodal risk stratification

Artificial intelligence tools are advancing rapidly in breast imaging. A recent clinical study demonstrated that multimodal AI systems can reduce recall rates by over 30% while maintaining sensitivity. Other work shows promise in improving density quantification and developing 5-year breast cancer risk models from imaging features.

Hospitals considering AI adoption should focus on how these tools can streamline workflow, support compliance, and reduce unnecessary patient callbacks.

Shifting clinical culture: from notification to action

At the 2025 Society of Breast Imaging annual meeting, a clear theme emerged: simply notifying patients about dense breast status is not enough. The expectation is shifting toward offering supplemental imaging or providing clear, individualized next steps.

Hospitals that rely on tomosynthesis alone may increasingly be asked to justify why they do not offer MRI, CEM, or other supplemental options.

Key takeaways for hospitals and imaging centers

Compliance check: Ensure your reporting language matches the updated FDA standard.
Workflow planning: Prepare for increased demand for supplemental imaging in dense-breast populations.
Technology assessment: Evaluate the role of MRI, CEM, MBI, and AI tools in your facility.
Patient communication: Move beyond dense-breast notification toward structured shared decision-making.
Equity focus: Consider insurance coverage and access barriers that could affect your patient population.

Hospitals that adapt now will not only stay compliant but also lead in patient-centered breast cancer screening strategies.

FDA’s 2025 AI Draft Guidance: A Buyer’s Checklist for Imaging Leaders

In January 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a draft guidance for AI-enabled medical devices that lays out expectations across the total product life cycle—design, validation, bias mitigation, transparency, documentation, and post-market performance monitoring. For imaging leaders, it’s a clear signal to tighten procurement criteria and operational guardrails before piloting AI in CT, MRI, mammo, ultrasound, or PET.

As teams lock in Q4 budgets and head into RSNA season, the FDA’s AI lifecycle draft (Jan 2025) and the now-final PCCP (Dec 2024) have reset what buyers should expect from AI in imaging—devices, software, and workflows. Vendors are updating claims and governance; this issue distills a practical buyer’s checklist—multisite validation with subgroup results, drift monitoring and version control, clear in-viewer transparency—and how pairing those tools with Vesta’s subspecialty coverage and QA turns promise into measurable gains across CT/MRI/US/mammography.

A practical buyer’s checklist

Use this when evaluating AI for your service lines:

Intended use fit: Verify indications, inputs/outputs, and claims match your pathway and patient mix.
Validation depth: Prefer multisite, diverse datasets; stratified results; pre-specified endpoints; documented data lineage and splits.
Bias mitigation: Demand subgroup performance (sex, age, race/ethnicity when available), scanner/vendor variability analyses, and site-transfer testing.
TPLC plan: Require drift monitoring, retraining triggers, versioning, and how updates are communicated.
Human factors & transparency: Ensure limitations, failure modes, and interpretable outputs are presented in-viewer without slowing reads.
Security & support: Patch cadence, vulnerability disclosure, SOC2/ISO posture, uptime SLAs, and rollback paths for version issues.
Governance: Define metrics owners, review cadence, and thresholds to pause or roll back a model.

Implementation playbook: pilot → scale without disruption

Start with a 60–90 day pilot in one high-impact line (e.g., ED stroke CT or mammography triage) and lock in baselines: median TAT, positive/negative agreement, recall rate, PPV/NPV, and discrepancy rate. Set guardrails—when to auto-triage vs. force human review—and document escalation paths for model failures. Require case-level confidence and structured outputs your radiologists can verify quickly. Stand up a model governance huddle (modality lead, QA, IT security, and your teleradiology partner) that meets biweekly to review drift signals, subgroup performance, and near-misses. Bake in a rollback plan (version pinning) and a quiet-hours change window so updates don’t collide with peak volumes. As results stabilize, scale by cohort (e.g., expand to non-contrast head CT, then CTA) and keep training “micro-bursts” for techs/readers—short videos or checklists in-workflow. Tie vendor SLAs to uptime, support response, and clinical KPIs so the AI program stays accountable to operational value.

Where teleradiology fits

AI only delivers when it’s welded to coverage, quality, and speed. A teleradiology partner should provide:

24/7 subspecialty + surge capacity: Vesta absorbs volume peaks so AI never becomes a bottleneck.
QA you can see: We benchmark pre/post-AI performance, add targeted second looks for edge cases, and feed variance data back to your team.
Standardized outputs: Structured reports that integrate model outputs with radiologist findings—no black-box surprises.
Smooth rollout: Pilot by service line (stroke CT, mammo triage, PE workups), then scale with tracked KPIs (TAT, PPV, recalls).
Interoperability & security: Seamless PACS/RIS/EMR integration with strict access controls, audit trails, and support for change-controlled updates.

Bottom line: Pairing AI with Vesta Teleradiology gives you round-the-clock subspecialty reads, measurable QA, and operational breathing room while you pilot and scale responsibly. If you’re mapping your AI roadmap under the FDA’s 2025 draft guidance, we’ll be your coverage and quality backbone—so your clinicians see faster answers and your patients see safer care. Visit vestarad.com to get started.

Photon-Counting CT: What Healthcare Facilities Need to Know Now

Photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in diagnostic imaging technology in recent years. Offering greater spatial resolution, reduced radiation dose, and improved tissue characterization, PCCT is quickly gaining attention from radiologists, imaging directors, and healthcare systems looking to stay ahead.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, staying informed about how new imaging technologies integrate with workflows and diagnostic goals is critical. Here’s what facilities need to know now about photon-counting CT—and how teleradiology can help maximize its impact.

What Is Photon-Counting CT?

Unlike conventional CT, which measures the total X-ray energy reaching the detector, photon-counting CT counts individual photons and measures their energy levels. This allows for:

Sharper images with better spatial resolution
Lower noise, especially in soft tissue
Multi-energy imaging from a single scan
Reduced radiation exposure

Siemens Healthineers introduced the first FDA-approved photon-counting CT system (NAEOTOM Alpha) in 2021, and adoption has slowly grown among academic and high-volume centers.

Clinical Benefits of PCCT

Photon-counting CT provides enhanced detail for a range of applications, including:

Cardiac imaging: Better visualization of stents and plaques
Pulmonary imaging: Improved nodule detection and perfusion data
Neuroimaging: Greater contrast at lower doses for brain scans
MSK imaging: Superior resolution for joint, bone, and soft tissue analysis

The ability to perform multi-energy imaging without dual-source CT equipment allows radiologists to generate virtual non-contrast images, improve lesion characterization, and reduce contrast agent use—benefiting both patients and providers.

Growing Market and Adoption

While still early in widespread adoption, the global photon-counting CT market is projected to grow rapidly. According to a recent report from Research and Markets, the global PCCT market is expected to reach over $800 million by 2030, driven by increasing demand for advanced diagnostic tools and a growing focus on radiation dose reduction.

As more vendors develop photon-counting detectors and more clinical use cases are validated, experts anticipate broader adoption beyond academic centers and into regional hospitals and imaging centers.

Source: Research and Markets, “Photon Counting CT Market – Forecast 2030”

How Teleradiology Supports Advanced CT Adoption

Deploying a photon-counting CT system requires more than just the hardware. Facilities must ensure they have access to radiologists who are:

Trained in multi-energy CT interpretation
Familiar with new artifact patterns and reconstructions
Able to optimize clinical workflows using new scan data types

That’s where teleradiology plays a critical role.

At Vesta Teleradiology, our radiologists stay at the forefront of imaging advances. With experience in multi-energy and advanced CT post-processing, we help facilities take full advantage of what photon-counting CT offers—delivering fast, accurate interpretations backed by subspecialty insight.

Integration and Workflow Considerations

Facilities considering photon-counting CT should think about:

PACS/RIS compatibility with new data formats
Training staff to understand and use spectral data
Building protocols for when and how to use PCCT scans
Collaborating with teleradiology teams for consistent interpretations

While the learning curve is real, the payoff is significant. Early adopters report better diagnostic confidence, fewer repeat scans, and more comprehensive patient evaluations.

Conclusion: Prepare for the Future of CT Imaging

Photon-counting CT represents the next leap in diagnostic precision. As this technology becomes more accessible, imaging leaders must evaluate how it fits into their long-term strategy. For facilities looking to stay competitive, offer premium diagnostics, and improve patient care, PCCT should be on the radar now—not later.

Partnering with a forward-thinking teleradiology provider like Vesta ensures you’re equipped with the expertise to unlock its full potential.

What CMS1074v2 Means for CT Radiation Dose Monitoring and Radiology Workflows

June 2025: CMS Rolls Out New CT Dose Quality Measure

In June 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officially implemented a new CT quality measure: CMS1074v2, which focuses on radiation dose and image quality metrics. The rule affects all healthcare providers performing computed tomography (CT) exams and is designed to enhance patient safety while addressing inconsistencies in dose reporting across facilities.

This marks a notable evolution in how CT imaging quality is tracked and reported under CMS’s Quality Payment Program, reinforcing the agency’s continued emphasis on value-based care and precision in diagnostic imaging.

What Is CMS1074v2?

CMS1074v2 centers around the calculation and monitoring of Size-Adjusted Dose (SAD) during CT scans. The measure requires providers to calculate a size-adjusted dose for each CT exam using effective diameter, then evaluate those values against accepted benchmarks for different anatomical regions (thorax, abdomen, pelvis, etc.).

This measure doesn’t just focus on radiation exposure — it links dose appropriateness with image quality, requiring radiology teams to balance diagnostic clarity and patient safety.

According to CMS, the goal is to encourage facilities to reduce unnecessary radiation while ensuring CT scans still meet clinical utility standards .

Why Is This a Big Deal for Radiology?

The challenge in radiology has long been striking a balance between diagnostic quality and dose minimization. Prior to CMS1074v2, there was no universal requirement for how facilities calculated size-adjusted dose, leading to large variability in methods and outcomes.

A March 2025 study published on arXiv found that five widely used methods for estimating effective diameter yielded significant differences in SAD calculations, which could directly influence whether a CT scan was categorized as compliant or not (source).

CMS1074v2 aims to reduce that variability by enforcing a consistent approach across providers. While the measure is currently limited to CT scans performed in outpatient settings, it’s expected that similar benchmarks may be expanded into hospital settings in the future.

How Imaging Centers Can Prepare

Implementing CMS1074v2 isn’t just about adding a new line item to reporting tools — it may require substantial changes to imaging workflows, technology, and staff training.

Here are key steps radiology departments should take:

Standardize Effective Diameter Calculations: Ensure your PACS or scanner software uses consistent measurement protocols.
Review CT Protocols for Dose Optimization: CT protocols may need to be adjusted to meet benchmark thresholds without compromising image quality.
Invest in Staff Training: Radiology technologists and supervising physicians must understand how SAD is derived and what values are considered acceptable for each body region.
Audit Current Practices: Review your historical CT exams to identify whether your dose metrics currently fall within expected parameters.

Potential Impact on Reimbursement and Compliance

CMS1074v2 is part of the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS), which affects how radiology providers are scored for quality performance. Noncompliance or poor performance on this measure could reduce reimbursement — especially for those participating in the Quality Payment Program.

However, facilities that demonstrate high compliance may benefit from positive scoring adjustments and recognition for imaging excellence. In other words, meeting this benchmark isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it could position your imaging center as a high-quality provider under CMS metrics.

Bottom Line: A Push Toward Precision and Safety

CMS1074v2 represents a bigger shift in imaging: toward measurable safety, transparency, and data-driven quality assurance. For radiology providers, especially those involved in high-volume CT scanning, this rule presents an opportunity to fine-tune protocols, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen compliance in a competitive healthcare environment.

While implementation requires coordination across teams, IT systems, and scanners, the end result may be safer, more efficient imaging that aligns with the future of value-based care.

National Stroke Awareness Month: The Role of Emergency Teleradiology in Rapid Stroke Diagnosis

May marks National Stroke Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. With strokes occurring approximately every 40 seconds in the U.S., timely diagnosis and intervention are paramount to improving patient outcomes

The Critical Window for Stroke Treatment

Strokes, whether ischemic or hemorrhagic, require immediate medical attention. The phrase “time is brain” underscores the urgency; delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible brain damage or death. Rapid imaging—particularly CT scans and MRIs—is essential to distinguish between stroke types and determine appropriate interventions.

The Emergence of Emergency Teleradiology

Emergency teleradiology has significantly changed how facilities approach stroke diagnosis. By enabling radiologists to interpret imaging studies remotely and in real time, healthcare providers can expedite critical decision-making, even when on-site radiology staff is unavailable. This is particularly valuable in rural or underserved areas where specialist access may be limited.

One recent study reported impressive turnaround times within a global teleradiology stroke network: non-contrast CT scans were interpreted in an average of 9.97 minutes, CT angiograms in 20.57 minutes, and CT perfusion studies in 13.72 minutes (Thieme Connect).

Real-World Impact: Mobile Stroke Units and Teleradiology

Innovations like mobile stroke units (MSUs)—ambulances equipped with onboard CT scanners and teleradiology connections—are delivering care faster than ever. In one comparative study, patients evaluated via MSU had significantly better outcomes and higher thrombolysis rates than those transported via standard ambulance (Radiology Business).

Addressing Disparities in Stroke Care

Timely diagnosis and treatment for stroke are not consistent across regions. Teleradiology helps close these gaps by connecting clinicians in remote or resource-limited locations to expert radiologists quickly. For example, in Queensland, Australia, a regional hospital successfully administered clot-busting drugs after a telestroke consult enabled real-time CT interpretation and neurologist review (Courier Mail).

Vesta Teleradiology: Committed to Rapid Stroke Diagnosis

At Vesta Teleradiology, we recognize the critical importance of timely neuroimaging. Our services provide:

24/7/365 emergency teleradiology coverage for stroke-related imaging
Radiologists with expertise in interpreting CT, CTA, and MRI for stroke diagnosis
Seamless communication with ER teams for rapid turnaround and actionable reporting

By partnering with Vesta, healthcare providers can strengthen their stroke response systems—improving access, speed, and ultimately, patient outcomes.

Conclusion

As we observe National Stroke Awareness Month, it’s important to spotlight the advancements that are reshaping stroke care. Emergency teleradiology plays a vital role in helping facilities deliver fast, accurate diagnosis when every minute counts. With the right systems and partnerships in place, more lives can be saved—and more patients can recover fully.

Contact Vesta Teleradiology today to learn how our emergency teleradiology services support hospitals, stroke centers, and ER teams across the country.