Highlights from RSNA 2014

PARCA eNews – Dec. 6, 2014 – The theme of the RSNA 2014 that wrapped up Dec. 5 was “A century of transforming medicine.” It is sometimes useful to take a step back and look at how much imaging has advanced over the years. Following the introduction of ultrasound in 1955, CT or computed axial tomography (CAT scan) machines in 1972, the first PET scanner in 1975, and MRI in 1977, the first PACS systems were unveiled at RSNA in 1982. Today, in addition to continuing advances in those technologies the trends seem to be focused on the global challenges facing imaging professionals, including integrating imaging systems into enterprise imaging, informatics and “big data.” 

Top five trends at RSNA 2014 as noted by HealthImaging, Aunt Minnie, and Diagnostic Imaging:

1. While PACS has largely been a radiology-oriented system since the technology was formally introduced, this year's meeting showed the focus is clearly now on the enterprise. Healthcare IT departments and C-suite hospital executives are moving to enterprise imaging.
2. The growing emphasis on value-based medicine and patient-centered imaging as outlined by RSNA 2014 President Dr. N. Reed Dunnick’s opening message will significantly impact imaging professionals.
3. The move to clinical decision support while not directly affecting radiologists, it will affect reimbursement. Coming in Jan. 2017, under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act, radiologists won’t be paid for outpatient, non-emergent services rendered if their claims don’t include a number that proves the referring physician consulted a CDS tool.
4. An emphasis on increasing radiologists’ value will focus more on the communication part of PACS, not so much on moving data but in facilitating communication between imaging providers and referring physicians as outlined by the American College of Radiology’s Imaging 3.0 campaign.
5. Breast tomosynthesis and CT lung cancer screening were hot topics garnering fully attended sessions.