Royal Philips Electronics announced it received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its MicroDose SI system, the first full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system on the market with the capability to enable future Single-Shot Spectral Imaging applications*. Philips is working on future software applications like Spectral Breast Density Measurement*, which will build upon the MicroDose SI technology.

Fewer breast imaging facilities in the United States, in addition to ongoing controversies surrounding breast cancer screening, has suppressed growth in the U.S. breast imaging systems market. However, Frost & Sullivan anticipates modest expansion, driven by the increasing demand for breast imaging equipment due to the growing prevalence of breast cancer, as well as increases in breast cancer surgery procedure volumes and supplemental screening exams prompted by new breast density reporting legislation.

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) released a list of specific tests that are commonly ordered—but not always necessary — in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging as part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, an initiative of the ABIM Foundation. The list identifies five targeted, evidence-based recommendations that can support conversations between patients and physicians about what care is really necessary and appropriate.

Taking a leadership role in addressing inefficient practices and improving care, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has released a list of five interventions whose appropriateness physicians and patients should discuss as part of Choosing Wisely.

New York state’s new breast density notification law went into effect in January and is said to be one of the most comprehensive breast density laws in the country. It is designed to improve the early detection of breast cancer by informing women of their breast density and encouraging them to discuss with their physicians the potential benefits of additional screening tests.

According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the growing demographic at risk for breast cancer and increasing compliance with screening programs will spur demand for breast biopsies. Additionally, patients and clinicians are showing a growing preference for minimally invasive biopsies over open surgical alternatives. As a result, sales of breast biopsy devices used in these procedures will expand at a steady pace through 2017.

Since its launch, less than two years ago, more than 5 million computed tomography (CT) scans, and nearly 3 million exams, have been added to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Dose Index Registry (DIR) — bringing the ACR closer to establishing national benchmarks for CT dose indices, which will help ensure patients receive safe, quality imaging care.

Time Magazine releases the dramatic findings of a months-long investigation by contributor Steven Brill into how outrageous pricing and egregious profits are destroying America's healthcare and creating even deeper budget deficits. Brill spent seven months analyzing bills from hospitals, doctors, drug companies and every other player in the American healthcare ecosystem, following the money to find out exactly how and why we are overspending, where the money is going and how to get it back. What he discovered will radically change the way you think about our medical institutions.