Vesta Teleradiology

Growth in Demand for Imaging Procedures Will Increase Need for Teleradiology

The healthcare market is experiencing a shift towards outpatient care, driven by reimbursement changes, pandemic effects, and patient preferences, particularly prominent in the U.S. Providers are diversifying into sub-specializations like neurology and oncology, raising the demand for advanced imaging like MRI and CT. This trend has led to increased utilization of outpatient imaging and teleradiology services.

By the NuMbers

Diagnostic imaging is becoming increasingly crucial in healthcare, with the market projected to reach $31.9bn in 2023 and grow at a 4.8% CAGR to $45.8bn in 2030. The rise is driven by chronic diseases, an aging population, and post-Covid-19 demand recovery. To meet this demand, companies are focusing on advanced and accessible technologies, such as handheld ultrasounds. About 1,949 imaging devices are in development, with 112 expected to gain approval in 2023.

According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the computed tomography (CT) segment held the largest market share due to a rise in CT scan procedures and higher average pricing. For instance, OECD data for 2021 showed 84.5 million CT scan procedures in the U.S., up by 15.8% from the previous year. The growing geriatric population has also contributed to increased demand for CT scans.

Key Players

Key players include GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and more. Challenges include high equipment costs and a shortage of skilled personnel, impacting accessibility and patient care quality. Opportunities arise from the growing demand for imaging services, especially for chronic diseases, and the development of new modalities like 3D mammography and MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil are pivotal, driven by rising chronic diseases. Major players like Siemens Healthineers are expanding in these markets. Additionally, teaching hospitals are increasing demand for advanced imaging methods to enhance patient care.

Your Dedicated Radiology Partner: Vesta

Partnering with Vesta as your radiology partner ensures access to accurate and timely imaging interpretations and readings for subspecialties. Whether you are an outpatient imaging center or traditional hospital, our collaboration offers a seamless and efficient experience. Trust us to be your reliable radiology partner, empowering you with the insights and tools needed for improved healthcare outcomes.

Sources:

Itnonline.com
Medicaldevices-network.com
fortunebusinessinsights.com
openai.com

Mammography: Is AI Better than Humans?

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in revolutionizing the landscape of the medical field, offering unprecedented opportunities for enhanced patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. From accelerating the analysis of medical imagery to predicting disease outcomes with unparalleled accuracy, AI-powered technologies have swiftly established themselves as indispensable tools for healthcare professionals. Beyond diagnostics, AI has played a pivotal role in drug discovery, streamlining clinical trials, and personalizing patient interventions. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform healthcare systems globally is becoming increasingly evident, promising not only improved medical outcomes but also cost-effective solutions and optimized resource allocation. The fusion of AI’s computational prowess with medical expertise heralds a new era of medical advancements that hold the potential to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, save lives, and redefine the standards of patient well-being.

In the United States alone, it is estimated that around 40 million mammograms were performed each year. Mammograms are crucial as they are the primary method for early detection of breast cancer, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates. By detecting small abnormalities and tumors that may not be palpable, mammograms help identify potential breast cancer cases in their earliest stages, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment options.

Radiologists often find themselves overwhelmed due to the increasing volume of medical images requiring analysis, coupled with a shortage of radiology specialists. The demand for accurate and timely diagnoses, especially in fields like mammography, can lead to extended work hours and heightened stress levels among radiologists. Introducing AI technologies can alleviate this burden by assisting in image analysis, enabling radiologists to focus on complex cases and ensuring more efficient patient care.

How AI Helps in Mammography

A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) may outperform trained doctors in detecting breast cancer from mammogram images. Mammograms face challenges due to factors like breast density, leading to missed cancer cases. The study analyzed 80,000 mammograms from Swedish women, finding that AI-assisted readings detected 20% more cancers compared to human radiologists. While not a standalone solution, AI could alleviate doctors’ workloads, enhancing accuracy without increasing false negatives. Despite FDA-approved AI technologies, integration with conventional methods is likely, aiding radiologists in managing a growing workload. The balance between AI and human expertise remains essential, ensuring optimal patient care and early cancer detection.

Healthcare experts, including the NHS and the Royal College of Radiologists, acknowledge AI’s promise in enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and prioritizing critical cases.

AI applied to diagnostic imaging holds the potential to significantly enhance the level of patient care. We eagerly anticipate further progress in this field. However, we maintain the viewpoint that presently, no machine can effectively substitute for the expertise of a skilled human observer for interpretations. At Vesta, we offer the services of radiologists who are US Board Certified, dedicated to delivering precise preliminary and final analyses. Discover how we can bolster your radiology department by reaching out to us today.

Sources:

Criver.com
health.com
theguardian.com
openai.com

Healthcare Burnout: Update for 2023

Burnout in the medical setting refers to a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion experienced by healthcare professionals. It arises from chronic and excessive stress caused by demanding work environments, long hours, high patient loads, and the emotional toll of dealing with patient suffering. Symptoms of burnout include feelings of cynicism, detachment from work, reduced sense of accomplishment, and a decline in professional performance. Burnout not only impacts the well-being of medical practitioners but can also compromise patient care and safety. It also impacts staffing at all levels in healthcare, from nurses to executives.

What’s Going on Now?

Healthcare employees nationwide have initiated strikes in their efforts to secure better pay and improved staffing conditions in their employment agreements. Additionally, resident physicians are becoming increasingly engaged in labor organizing.

burnt out — A doctor experiences burnout

According to experts, these labor trends will present ongoing challenges to health systems as facilities strive to return to pre-pandemic operations while trying to control the labor costs that escalated last year. The sector is expected to face persistent staffing shortages, particularly among nurses, due to widespread burnout and increased turnover. As a result, healthcare facilities continue to rely on expensive contract labor to fill the gaps in their workforce, even as the rates of severe COVID-19 hospitalizations decline.

Burnout in Radiologists

The “Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2023: ‘I Cry and No One Cares'” reported that 54 percent of radiologists surveyed felt burned out. Further, just 61% of radiologists said they’re happy or very happy away from work.

Recent data published in the European Journal of Radiology presents the experiences of breast radiologists with burnout during various stages of the COVID pandemic. Surprisingly, the study reveals that, at the height of COVID, many radiologists reported improvements in five out of six common stressors, such as work pace, work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities, and financial strain. However, this relief was short-lived, as patient capacity increased again, leading to a surge in workload, backlogs of studies, and a slight increase in burnout levels compared to before the pandemic.

Addressing Staffing Shortages and Burnout

Addressing burnout is crucial to maintain a healthy healthcare workforce and ensure the delivery of high-quality medical services. Strategies like promoting work-life balance, providing support and resources for stress management, and fostering a positive and supportive work culture are essential to mitigate and prevent burnout in the medical field.

Vesta Teleradiology is your reliable solution for all your healthcare facility’s radiology requirements, whether you require full-time support or coverage during nights and weekends. With over 16 years of dedicated service to diagnostic imaging centers, physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, we are here to assist you. Get in touch with us today for a quick quote at 1-877-55-VESTA.

teleradiology-service — Vesta is a highly rated teleradiology service provider.

Sources:

Healthcaredive.com
Radiologybusiness.com
Beckershospitalreview.com
Healthimaging.com
Openai.com

How is Teleradiology and AI Impacting the Medical Industry Today?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the medical industry, transforming the way healthcare is delivered, diagnosed, and managed. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, AI is reshaping various aspects of healthcare. From aiding in disease diagnosis to personalized treatment recommendations, AI is enhancing the precision and efficiency of medical practices. Moreover, AI-powered technologies are streamlining administrative tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and improving patient outcomes. As AI continues to advance, it holds immense potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery, foster medical innovations, and ultimately improve the quality of patient care on a global scale.

Teleradiology has had a profound impact on healthcare by enabling remote access to radiology expertise, bridging geographical barriers, and ensuring timely diagnoses. It has improved patient care by providing faster turnaround times, facilitating collaboration among radiologists, and increasing access to specialized interpretations, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. Going even further, a latest white paper from One Call describes how teleradiology and AI are helping reduce the strain of the radiology shortage.

Teleradiology and AI in Action

Medical imaging vendor, Nanox, is looking to address heath disparities and lack of access care with a new x-ray system which would be offered to countries in Africa, Asian and South American using a pay-per-scan model. The potential of combining cold cathode X-ray technology with teleradiology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve healthcare economics. Cold cathode X-ray systems offer advantages such as reduced energy consumption and improved image quality. When integrated with teleradiology, these systems can enable remote interpretation of X-rays, leading to faster diagnoses and improved patient care. Additionally, the use of AI algorithms in conjunction with cold cathode X-ray technology has the potential to enhance image analysis, automate certain tasks, and optimize resource allocation, offering cost-saving opportunities in healthcare settings.

diagnostic imaging — A teleradiologist examines a chest x-ray

There are plans to roll out AI-powered teleradiology by the “Screen for Life” program at the Primary Health Care Corporation in Qatar, aimed at early detection and prevention of cancer in the United Arab Emirates. The program plans to utilize AI algorithms to analyze radiology images, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of cancer screening. The integration of AI in teleradiology will help automate image interpretation, expedite diagnoses, and reduce the workload on radiologists. The implementation of AI teleradiology in the “Screen for Life” program is expected to improve cancer detection rates, streamline healthcare processes, and ultimately save lives by identifying cancers at earlier stages.

Vesta Teleradiology

Looking to outsource your radiology interpretations using an expert Teleradiology company that is at the forefront of technology including AI? Please reach out to Vesta to learn more. Vesta Teleradiology can accommodate any type of volume, large, medium and small.

Sources:

Radiologybusiness.com
menafn.com
openai.com
cdc.gov

The Top 2023 Imaging and Healthcare Conferences In the United States

As a healthcare professional, events like conferences serve as opportunities to learn and grow professionally while expanding our network.

If you want to achieve new insights and techniques in imaging and healthcare, 2023 Imaging and Healthcare Conferences are among the best opportunities. Here are the top conferences in the United States.

RSNA (Radiological Society of North America) 2023

The Radiological Society of North America is one of the largest conferences globally, focusing on radiology and imaging. The conference covers everything from basic science to emerging technologies and features various sessions and workshops covering all field aspects.

RSNA 2023 will occur in Chicago, Illinois, from November 27 to December 1, 2023.

SIIM Conference 2023

The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) conference is a leading event where experts in fields such as radiology, information technology, and engineering come to share their knowledge on imaging informatics.

The meeting takes place from June 29-July 2, 2023, in the City by the Bay, San Francisco. The SIIM conference offers CME opportunities for attendees to be professionally accredited, making it one of the world’s most significant events in imaging informatics.

ACR

The American College of Radiology (ACR) Annual Meeting is a premier event for radiology professionals to learn more about the newest advancements in radiology informatics and medical imaging.

In 2023, ACR plans its conference on May 7th-11th in Washington, DC.

AI in Healthcare Summit 2023

This summit brings together professionals in artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. It takes place from September 12-14, 2023, in Boston.

The AI in Healthcare Summit aims to bring the world’s brightest minds to discuss ideas on developing AI technology in healthcare imaging. Attendees will enjoy learning from cross-industry thought leaders, researchers, and technology innovators.

CME (Continuing Medical Education) Conferences

Continuing education is essential for professionals in the healthcare industry. CME conferences are offered throughout the year, allowing attendees opportunities for advancement.

Organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA), the American College of Radiology (ACR), and the Radiological Society of North America offer these conferences.

Attending these imaging and healthcare conferences will allow you to gain experience and interaction with industry professionals and keep abreast of the latest technology and groundbreaking research.

Plan to attend any of these 2023 conferences to improve your imaging and healthcare skills and knowledge and keep yourself updated and engaged with peers.

New Studies in Ultrasound – An Exciting Frontier in Medical Research

Medical science makes incredible strides every year, finding new ways to heal the sick and injured. One of the most exciting of these new frontiers is ultrasound technology.

With its ability to safely and painlessly penetrate the human body, scientists and doctors are discovering new possibilities in diagnosing and treating conditions that previously required more invasive procedures.

Ultrasound in Cancer Treatment

In cancer treatment, chemotherapy often comes with various unpleasant side effects. But new research has shown that ultrasound technology can enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, sometimes even reducing the dosage of the drugs required.

Ultrasound can also help increase the uptake of cancer drugs into tumors, making their delivery more targeted and efficient.

Ultrasound and Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most heartbreaking conditions facing our aging population, and while there is no cure for it, there is hope for better treatment.

Recent research has discovered the possibility of using ultrasound to break up the plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, reducing the inflammation and damage that cause the disease. Research in this field is still in its early stages, but the possibility of a breakthrough treatment in the years to come is an exciting prospect.

Ultrasound Diagnostics

Of course, one of the primary uses of ultrasound in medicine is as a diagnostic tool. However, new studies are refining and expanding the possibilities of what ultrasound can detect.

For example, technicians now use ultrasound to locate and diagnose skin cancers and traditional mammography for breast cancer screening. Ultrasound also offers a non-invasive way to examine the heart and blood vessels in incredible detail, giving doctors a better understanding of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.

Ultrasound and Pain Management

In addition to being an incredible diagnostic tool, patients can use ultrasound to manage pain.

Ultrasound-guided nerve block injections can relieve patients suffering from chronic pain without the side effects of prolonged medication use. Studies are ongoing to refine this technique and expand its benefits beyond chronic pain.

Other Applications of Ultrasound

The research and innovation happening in ultrasound are constantly expanding their possibilities.

For example, researchers are exploring ultrasound technology to treat kidney stones, sometimes allowing for less invasive procedures than traditional surgery.

They are also investigating ultrasound for use in regenerative medicine and even to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetic patients non-invasively.

The possibilities of ultrasound technology seem almost limitless, with new studies constantly uncovering ways to use this powerful tool for medical treatment and research.

From cancer treatment to pain management, diagnostics to disease prevention, ultrasound is a field that promises to revolutionize the face of medicine in the years to come. We can only look forward with enthusiasm and hope for what discoveries may come on this exciting frontier.

Teleradiology in Conjunction with Ultrasound

When you think about the role a teleradiology company like Vesta plays with healthcare providers, you might envision that the radiologists deal only with x-rays and MRI scans. We also work closely with hospitals for ultrasound readings, too. If you’re seeking an extra hand for preliminary and final ultrasound interpretations, please reach out to us today. We can handle any volume, large or small.

How Covid Impacted Vital Health Screenings

So many aspects of our lives have changed since the outbreak of COVID19; shopping, working, education, entertainment, and our everyday lives look pretty different, even from a few years ago. The pandemic has also impacted our health and the way we approach medicine. Advancements in technology are moving quickly in medicine. Telehealth and remote medical services are becoming more mainstream, however, convincing patients to get health screenings, particularly for cancer, has become a challenge. It’s important, now more than ever, to keep up good health practices and let patients know they shouldn’t delay getting screened.

Timely screenings are incredibly important, says Imaging Technology News. Since the pandemic began there have been massive delays that have continued into 2023. Many facilities closed temporarily during the lockdown and many other facilities had severe staff shortages, says National Cancer Institute. When facilities did open back up, people were fearful of going to hospitals and other places where COVID might be prevalent, says the article.

covid impact on health — The COVID pandemic has caused many to delay important screenings

According to a survey between June and November of 2020, 11% to 36% of the 7,115 participants delayed their screening. The screenings ranged from mammograms, stool blood tests, pap smears, colonoscopies, and HPV tests. In another study done by Tulane University, screening rates decreased to nearly zero in 2020 of the 45,000 women enrolled in Medicaid in Louisiana. Should this trend continue, it’s predicted that later-stage cancer diagnosis will be significant, says Imaging Technology News.

How Can Medical Facilities Encourage Patients to Get Vital Screenings?

What medical professionals can do is encourage their patients as much as possible to get screened. This may be tricky, with COVID still lingering around the country. Appealing to patients’ health, and letting them know that a screening can save their life can be the most effective, says Imaging Technology News, as well as encouraging patients through evidence-based interventions, says the National Cancer Institute.

campaigns to increase mammogram awareness — Cancer prevention begins with screening

When cost is a barrier, says the article, there are options. Through the Affordable Care Act there are affordable cancer screening tests available as well as low-cost screening options for those without insurance or physician referrals. Medical professionals and facilities may also consider expanding the locations and access to screenings through mobile screening programs, says the article. Many of those in low-income areas who do not have transportation to access screenings can take advantage of mobile programs, says the American College of Surgeons.

For people who aren’t visiting doctors or medical facilities, making the general public aware of how important screenings are can help, says the National Cancer Institute. Social media, campaigns, and patient education are a few ways to reach everyone. In a multipronged approach, some hospitals educated virtually through community focus groups, asking specific questions as to why the people in the area weren’t getting screened, said the article. Hospital staff also worked with parish nurses to encourage and educate congregations on screening. In addition, some hospitals encouraged their own staff to be screened.

In our strange, new world, amidst COVID, staff shortages, and so much fear, we still must take care of ourselves and encourage others to do so. As healthcare professionals, we have the power to empower others to take charge of their own health.

Combating Radiologist Shortages

If your hospital, emergency room, or private practice is struggling with radiologist shortages, partnering with a teleradiology company like Vesta can help.

Our US Board Certified radiologists offer night, weekend, and holiday coverage to fill those gaps. Ask us about our seamless integrations: contact us now to learn more.

The Role of 3D Printing in Radiology

3D printing is an incredible technological tool both in and out of the medical world. Fortunately, this revolutionary technology has opened up an entirely new realm of possibilities for medical professionals to better their patient’s care.

Why Is 3D Printing Important To Medical Professionals?

3D printing has enabled doctors to create models of patients’ organs, tissues, and bones that can show the precise image of the patient’s anatomy, enabling them to make more thorough and accurate diagnoses. This means that diseases can be caught faster, leading to a higher percentage rate of positive outcomes.

These models are helpful to ensure quality by using test treatments on a physical model before trying them on a patient. This can help to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and ensure that the treatment is as effective as possible. In addition, 3D printing can be used to create prosthetic limbs, allowing patients to receive a personalized prosthesis that is custom fit to their body.

Finally, 3D printing is being used to create custom medical implants. Medical implants are used to replace missing or damaged tissue. They are typically made of titanium or other materials, but 3D printing has enabled medical professionals to create custom implants that are specifically designed for each patient. This has improved patient outcomes and allowed doctors to create implants that are more effective than ever before.

3D Printing In Radiology

In an interview for the American College of Radiology, Kenneth C. Wang, MD, Ph.D. said, “the benefit of printing comes from the patient-specific nature of what is depicted. And that almost always starts with imaging. That’s why we, as radiologists, are so well positioned to be at the center of these workflows. We can use our deep understanding of imaging modalities, anatomy, and disease to create models, interpret findings and also to know the limitations of the images, and communicate with other providers.”

3D printing has become an increasingly common and useful tool for radiologists. Because it can be used to create customized models of organs, bones, and other body parts, it gives radiologists a better visualization and understanding of medical conditions that couldn’t be seen before. The in-depth imaging 3D printing provides can also be used to create medical implants, such as scaffolds for bone regeneration and customized joint replacements.

3D-printed models of organs can be used to practice minimally invasive procedures and to create guides for surgeons to follow during operations.

This will help with medical education, allowing students and radiologists to visualize the anatomy and better understand medical conditions. Finally, 3D printing can be used to create patient-specific medical devices, such as hearing aids and prosthetics, to customize them and make them more comfortable for patients.

Conclusion

Overall, 3D printing has revolutionized the world of radiology. It has allowed medical professionals to make more precise and accurate diagnoses, create custom medical devices, create models of organs, tissues, and bones, and create custom medical implants. This technology has enabled doctors to provide better patient care and has improved patient outcomes. With this kind of technology coupled with Artificial Intelligence, the sky is the limit.

Vesta Teleradiology is always looking to new technologies to improve our operations and further assist our clients in accurate and quick interpretations. Please reach out to us to learn about how we customize the process for your healthcare facility’s needs.

The Future of Radiology with 5G

If you’ve been to the doctor’s office, hospital, or any healthcare building recently, you might have noticed an upgrade in technology. Instead of a sign-in sheet, you may have been handed a fingerprint scanner. In lieu of a paper and pen, a nurse may have an iPad or desktop computer to take your medical history. For years, medical offices around the country have already had an online scheduling and note-taking system, so it may not come as a surprise that innovations have reached their way to medical imaging and radiology. 5G technology has made vast improvements in the medical space since 2018, says Imaging Technology News, and will continue to make waves, globally, for years to come.

Advancements with 5G

Ultrasound and telehealth technology has advanced this year with 5G technology, particularly with people who live in remote locations without easy access to hospitals, says Radiology Business. 5G connectivity makes transmission of 4K images and ultrasound images much more efficient and clearer than LTE technology, says the article. Patients who need appointments or images read by medical professionals are able to receive the care they need through telehealth services and remarkably clearer images. In addition to this, 5G technology has helped remotely train the practitioners, who were not radiologists, to take the ultrasound examinations. Having a wider pool of practitioners to perform these tasks is proof that 5G has a promising future in the healthcare community.

Another advancement brought about by 5G technology is biomedical devices, says Applied Sciences. When a patient has an implantable and wearable biomedical device with wireless communication technology, doctors are able to have updates and treatments in real time for those in their care. These devices gather data from sick patients and instantly transmit the progress to a doctor to be checked, remotely. Because of the reliability of a 5G network, life supporting devices are able to work quickly, and without complications of interruption. According to the article, developing the “self-health” systems aided by 5G technology will be critical for the lack of healthcare workers we will experience by 2035.

Looking ahead, Imaging Technology News predicts the 5G networks could be the “catalyst towards smart hospitals;” a center of streamlined systems and information that efficiently carries through the patient experience. Some of those concepts, says the article, includes a smart scheduling system, facial recognition or fingerprint scanners, and multiple imaging transfers between medical professionals. Importantly, too, 5G networks will enable “crosstalk” between medical devices, monitoring devices, and medical records, creating one, integrated system.

There are a lot of predictions about our healthcare system due to so many changes in our world today amidst the COVID, flu, RSV, healthcare worker shortage, and so many other variables. But, here, there is proof of a silver lining. Technology has made it possible to reroute some of these fears and bring some light to some dark statistics. We are on the precipice of new and big developments in our healthcare systems. The future is here and we are excited. Click here to learn more about Vesta’s partnership with MIT for artificial intelligence research.

Top Trends for Radiology and Imaging in 2023

There is no doubt that radiology and imaging will have a few challenges in 2023. With Medicare pay reductions, hospital closures, worker burnout, and a shortage of radiologists, the industry must be creative to continue to provide exceptional patient care.

The industry leaders remain optimistic about their services. There have been more technological advancements, and people are still dedicated to their patients and healthcare. Their efforts are winning combinations for radiology, and they are determined to provide good service despite the challenges.

The current trend for radiology in 2023 will be for more consolidation of radiology practices. Using technology, many urban and outlying hospitals with minimal staffing can transmit information to control centers with professional radiology staffing. The financial burden of training imaging technicians will be, at a minimum allowing the hospital staffing budgets to be used for hands-on patient care.

The Value of Radiology and Imaging

Radiology is a “value-based system” that can reduce medical costs and improve patient outcomes through early disease detection and diagnosis with imaging screening programs. The medical profession, insurance companies, and hospitals recognize this value but struggle with ways to balance their budgets while providing patient care.

Investing in reorganizing the radiology departments has put much of the spendable medical funds to constructive use. The most significant expense for 2023 will be the expansion of artificial intelligence and equipment needed to provide the services.

2023 Equipment, Artificial Intelligence, and Education in Radiology

In November 2022, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) held its expo in Chicago, Illinois. Over 900 displays on the expo floor showed just a glimpse of the exciting future of radiology and imaging.

Featured equipment at the expo included MRI contrast that uses 50% less gadolinium, CT scanners with improved image resolution–and less noise, X-ray-based imaging systems, and CT scan with superior structural supports and better equipment warranties.

Research and development have also made great strides in new X-ray lung airflow imaging technologies. Also, innovative breast imaging technologies that use ultrasound and elastography may reduce the need for some biopsies.

The FDA has now cleared hundreds of artificial intelligence algorithms that will be able to help radiologists with their workflow. These algorithms are applications that can help lessen worker burnout. Networks can integrate these applications, which allows organizations to work together, distributing workload and expertise efficiently.

Artificial intelligence spans many areas of radiology and imaging. Some of the applications not only improve the productivity of radiologists, but AI tools can improve imaging quality to detect disease and even embolisms or hemorrhages.

Artificial intelligence is making strides in education for radiologists and technicians. Research and Innovation are essential to the integrity of the practice, and artificial intelligence is helping to fulfill the academic needs of the staff.

More to Come

Every year technology advances and enhances healthcare workflows and processes. Most hospitals and clinics still in operation have gone digital, allowing them to operate with advanced equipment and programs designed to provide exceptional patient care.

Radiologists and technicians are still in demand even if the systems incorporate more use of technology. Any radiology shortages can be remedied with the help of established and tech-forward teleradiology companies like Vesta Teleradiology. Education in the radiology and imaging field will need to keep up with the changes to make the technicians better while improving patient diagnoses and patient care.