Over the last decade, the field of medical imaging has evolved from analog technology toward the digital age. This shift in medical imaging has seen the emergence of flat panel detector (FPD) technology in everything from cardiology systems to portable X-ray equipment. Digital solutions have already begun to revolutionize medical imaging by offering improved image quality, faster processing time and dose reduction advantages over their analog predecessors. Those who have already adopted digital imaging are part of a market that continues to grow, expected to reach a sum of more than $35 billion by 2019.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), and is being celebrated through the theme “A Century of Transforming Medicine.” Numerous activities are planned to celebrate its century mark Nov. 30 through Dec. 5 at McCormick Place in Chicago, including a Centennial Showcase. Imaging Technology News (ITN) congratulates RSNA on this monumental success, and for all it has done for this industry and its community over the years. You can preview some of new technology and products that will be offered at RSNA in our show preview on page 17. Also, be sure to look at ITN’s FastPass microsite at www.itnonline.com/rsna-fastpass. We invite you to come visit us during the show in the South Hall at booth 1715.

Hologic, Inc. announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released reimbursement rates for screening and diagnostic 3-D mammography. The action establishes national average payment rates for the Category I Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for 3-D screening mammography and creates a new add-on Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code for 3-D diagnostic mammography.