Vesta Teleradiology | Health News

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.

Vesta Teleradiology Heads to RSNA 2025: AI + Expertise = Faster, Smarter Imaging Coverage

Every year, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) brings together innovators shaping the future of medical imaging. This November 30–December 3, 2025, the Vesta Teleradiology team is proud to join that community at RSNA 2025 in Chicago — showcasing how AI and human expertise combine to deliver faster, smarter imaging coverage for hospitals and imaging centers nationwide.

Meet Vesta at Booth 1346 — South Hall

At Booth 1346, attendees can discover how Vesta helps healthcare facilities overcome some of today’s biggest radiology challenges — from staffing shortages to increasing imaging volumes — without compromising patient care.

Vesta’s solutions are designed to help your organization:

✅ Gain 24/7 radiology coverage without the burnout
✅ Access fellowship-trained subspecialists across all modalities
✅ Deliver faster turnaround times with AI-assisted workflow tools
✅ Scale imaging services without adding staff
✅ Rely on dependable IT services and seamless PACS integration

How Vesta Combines AI + Human Expertise

Teleradiology isn’t just about remote reads — it’s about precision, speed, and collaboration. Vesta’s radiologists use advanced AI-assisted workflow technology to prioritize cases, enhance diagnostic consistency, and streamline communication with hospitals and imaging centers.

AI tools don’t replace radiologists; they empower them. By automating repetitive tasks and highlighting critical findings faster, AI allows Vesta’s board-certified radiologists to focus where their expertise matters most — delivering accurate interpretations and improving patient outcomes around the clock.

Dependable Excellence, Every Time

Since its founding, Vesta has remained committed to providing dependable, high-quality radiology coverage that healthcare organizations can trust. Whether you need overnight support, overflow assistance, or full departmental coverage, Vesta’s network of U.S.-based, fellowship-trained subspecialists ensures that every scan gets the attention it deserves — anytime, anywhere.

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Join Us in Chicago

If you’re attending RSNA 2025, we’d love to meet you in person. Stop by Booth 1346 in the South Hall to see how Vesta’s combination of human insight and artificial intelligence is helping healthcare facilities achieve diagnostic excellence — without adding to their workload.

RSNA 2025 — Chicago, IL
November 30 – December 3, 2025
VESTARAD.COM

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.

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.

Supporting Women’s Health with Subspecialty Teleradiology: National Women’s Health Week 2025

Each May, National Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive care, early detection, and access to high-quality medical services for women across the country. Among these essential services, breast imaging stands out as a cornerstone of women’s health — and timely, accurate interpretation of mammograms plays a vital role in early detection of breast cancer.

But what happens when a facility doesn’t have immediate access to a subspecialty-trained breast radiologist?

That’s where teleradiology steps in.

At Vesta Teleradiology, we support women’s health initiatives year-round by providing reliable, fast, and compliant mammography interpretations, especially for facilities that may not have in-house specialists available.

The Need for Expert Mammography Interpretation

According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the U.S., and regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and before symptoms appear1. The American College of Radiology (ACR) also notes that interpretation by radiologists trained in breast imaging can improve detection rates and reduce false positives2.

However, many imaging centers and rural hospitals don’t have a dedicated breast radiologist on-site — and delays in interpretation can lead to gaps in care or unnecessary anxiety for patients.

This challenge is magnified by a growing shortage of radiologists, particularly those specializing in breast imaging. A 2023 workforce survey from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) highlighted that more than 50% of practicing radiologists are over the age of 55, and retirements are outpacing new entrants. Breast imaging — already a subspecialty with fewer practitioners — is feeling the strain. Many facilities are facing longer turnaround times or are unable to offer advanced imaging interpretation consistently.

In addition, burnout remains a real concern. Breast radiologists face high volumes and frequent callbacks, which can affect accuracy and job satisfaction. Teleradiology can help balance the workload by offering overflow and relief coverage, supporting both the health system and the radiologists themselves.

How Teleradiology Closes the Gap

Vesta Teleradiology provides healthcare facilities with remote access to subspecialty-trained radiologists, including experts in breast imaging. This allows imaging centers, OB/GYN clinics, and hospitals to meet women’s health needs without overextending in-house teams.

Here’s how we help:

Full MQSA-compliant interpretations
Support for both screening and diagnostic mammograms
24/7/365 availability, including STAT and overflow reads
Subspecialty reads in breast MRI, ultrasound, and 3D mammography (tomosynthesis)
Seamless PACS integration and secure data exchange

Whether your site needs full-time coverage or help during vacation season, we ensure that your patients receive timely, high-quality reads.

National Women’s Health Week Is the Perfect Time to Prioritize Imaging Readiness

National Women’s Health Week 2025 runs from May 12–18 and encourages women to schedule important preventive screenings — including mammograms.

Facilities should be prepared for increased volume during this time and throughout Breast Cancer Awareness campaigns later in the year (October). Having a trusted teleradiology partner means you can handle increased demand without sacrificing quality or turnaround times.

Vesta Teleradiology: Your Partner in Women’s Imaging

At Vesta, we believe in supporting facilities that support women. Our flexible coverage options and experienced radiologists help ensure that women’s health screenings — including mammograms — are interpreted accurately, securely, and quickly.

Whether you’re preparing for Women’s Health Week or looking for year-round coverage, we’re here to help you deliver the care your patients deserve.

Let’s improve access, together. Contact us to learn more about how Vesta can support your women’s imaging services.

CMS Extends Virtual Supervision for Contrast Imaging Through 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the allowance for virtual direct supervision of certain diagnostic imaging services—such as contrast-enhanced MRI and CT scans—through December 31, 2025. This policy enables supervising physicians to be “immediately available” via real-time, interactive audio-visual communication, eliminating the need for physical presence during these procedures.

This extension is part of CMS’s ongoing efforts to maintain flexibility in healthcare delivery, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially introduced in 2020, the virtual supervision policy has been extended multiple times, reflecting its effectiveness in enhancing access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Official CMS Reference: See the final rule summary here — CMS 2025 PFS Final Rule

Why This Matters for Imaging Providers and Teleradiology

This change is particularly impactful for radiology providers and Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTFs), who can now increase efficiency while expanding access to care. Here’s how:

Flexible Staffing Across Locations
Virtual supervision allows radiologists to provide oversight for contrast studies across multiple sites simultaneously. This is especially valuable for multi-site imaging networks.
Source: CMS Telehealth FAQ – April 2025
Improved Access in Underserved Areas
In rural or medically underserved regions, where on-site radiologist availability is limited, this policy enables diagnostic imaging to proceed without delay.
Source: CMS Manual System – R12975CP
Streamlined Operations and Cost Savings
By enabling remote supervision, imaging centers can better allocate radiologist time, minimize idle staffing, and reduce operational overhead—all without compromising safety.
Source: CMS MLN901705 – Telehealth & Remote Patient Monitoring

A Forward-Thinking Step for Radiology

The virtual supervision policy not only helps radiology groups manage rising imaging volumes but also strengthens the case for broader adoption of remote technologies in medical imaging. Industry groups are urging CMS to consider making this flexibility permanent, citing its benefits for workflow optimization, clinical outcomes, and equitable access.

How Vesta Teleradiology Can Help

At Vesta Teleradiology, we are well-positioned to support imaging centers and IDTFs adapting to this policy. Our services are designed with flexibility, compliance, and subspecialty depth in mind:

Seamless remote reads for contrast studies
Board-certified U.S.-based radiologists
24/7/365 final reads with rapid turnaround
HIPAA-compliant, cloud-based PACS integration
Support for both permanent and overflow coverage

If your facility is looking to implement or expand remote supervision workflows under the CMS extension, Vesta can help you transition smoothly while maintaining the highest standards in patient care.

Reach out today to learn how Vesta Teleradiology can streamline your imaging operations under this new CMS flexibility.

The Rise of IDTFs: A New Frontier for Teleradiology Providers

In 2025, one of the most significant developments reshaping outpatient diagnostic imaging is the rapid rise of Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities (IDTFs). These non-hospital-based centers offer cost-effective, high-quality diagnostic imaging services—such as MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray—often with greater scheduling flexibility and accessibility than traditional hospital systems.

But as IDTFs expand across the U.S., they face a familiar challenge: radiologist availability. That’s where teleradiology steps in. With its ability to connect imaging centers to board-certified radiologists across time zones and subspecialties, teleradiology is not just supporting IDTFs—it’s becoming a core part of their value proposition.

What’s Driving the Growth of IDTFs?

Several key factors are contributing to the proliferation of IDTFs:
Patient Preference for Convenience: Patients increasingly prefer outpatient imaging centers over hospital visits due to faster appointment availability, easier access, and lower out-of-pocket costs.

Value-Based Care Models: Health systems are looking for ways to reduce the cost of imaging services while maintaining quality. IDTFs offer a lower-cost alternative without compromising diagnostic capability.

Technology Enablement: Modern PACS systems, AI-enabled imaging workflows, and cloud-based reporting make it easier than ever for IDTFs to operate efficiently—and remotely.

These trends align with a larger shift in healthcare delivery toward decentralization and specialization. In this environment, IDTFs are uniquely positioned to offer efficient, targeted services. However, without access to a steady pool of radiologists—especially subspecialists—these facilities can’t reach their full potential.

Why Teleradiology and IDTFs Are a Perfect Match

Teleradiology allows IDTFs to extend their capabilities without hiring full-time, onsite radiologists. Here’s how:

Subspecialty Access: Whether it’s neuroradiology, musculoskeletal, breast imaging, or pediatric radiology, IDTFs can access subspecialty reads through teleradiology providers who have a broad national network of board-certified radiologists.

24/7 Turnaround: Many IDTFs need fast turnaround times to stay competitive. Teleradiology enables rapid interpretation—even during nights and weekends—without the overhead of maintaining a full in house staff.

Scalability: As IDTFs grow, teleradiology offers the ability to scale services up or down based on demand, patient volume, and geographic expansion.

By partnering with experienced teleradiology groups, IDTFs gain the flexibility to provide around-the-clock interpretation while reducing delays and improving patient care.

A Win for Patients, Providers, and Payers

This collaboration ultimately benefits all stakeholders:

· Patients gain faster diagnoses and often lower costs compared to hospital-based imaging.
· Providers can focus on clinical care while relying on a trusted network of radiologists.
· Payers see reduced expenses and fewer bottlenecks in the diagnostic workflow.

Moreover, teleradiology partners like Vesta Teleradiology offer HIPAA-compliant systems, customizable workflows, and board-certified U.S.-based radiologists—making them ideal collaborators for IDTFs looking to maintain quality while expanding services.

Looking Ahead

As the imaging landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between IDTFs and teleradiology providers is only expected to deepen. Regulatory frameworks are adapting, AI integration is becoming standard, and patient expectations for quick, accurate diagnostics continue to rise.

For teleradiology groups, this trend represents an exciting opportunity to align with forward-thinking imaging centers and meet the growing demand for diagnostic services—efficiently, reliably, and at scale.

If your IDTF is seeking faster turnaround, expanded subspecialty coverage, or more flexibility in radiologist staffing, Vesta Teleradiology is ready to help.