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In the news
Healthcare is constantly changing, and the field of radiology is no exception. With new technologies, come new ways to diagnosis and treat diseases. We at Charlotte Radiology are pleased to be the area's imaging experts and connected to organizations who share our goal of bringing you the latest in imaging equipment and studies.
Strategic Radiology (SR) announced today that it has named Mark J. Kleinschmidt as CEO. Kleinschmidt has worked in the radiology field for twenty two years and most recently served as CEO of St. Paul Radiology and Senior Vice President of Business Services for NightHawk Radiology.
Press release: Strategic Radiology names Kleinschmidt as CEO
Revised draft recommendations released by the US Preventative Services Task Force this week suggest that women at higher risk for osteoporosis be screened sooner than women who are at average risk for the bone-loss disease. The new draft recommendation from the USPS Task Force is an update to their 2002 recommendation and is based on a report from the Annals of Internal Medicine. You can read more at:
AP News Story: Task force urges bone-density tests for more women
To find out if you are at a higher risk, take our Risk Assessment at: Questionaire
For more information on Bone Density Testing and the our sub-specialized musculoskeletal radiologists at Charlotte Radiology, visit: Bone Density Testing
For ten years, the Mecklenburg County Health Department (MCHD) has provided screening mammography services to the uninsured and underinsured women of Mecklenburg County. Charlotte Radiology Breast Center has been a partner of the MCHD, providing their patients with screening mammography readings, in addition to performing diagnostic exams when needed. To improve accessibility to state-of-the-art technology, the MCHD has discontinued on-site screening mammography and is now referring patients for digital screening mammography to Charlotte Radiology, which has nine convenient breast centers in Mecklenburg County.
Press Release: New Mammography Resources for Low Income Women in Mecklenburg County
Dr. Gromet, Charlotte Radiology's Chief of Breast Imaging, exposes many of the flaws in the Task Force mammogram recommendations released in November 2009. His article, published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, reinforces the fact that women need to begin their annual screening mammogram routine at age 40.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is hosting a two-day hearing to learn more about efforts being made to reduce patient exposure to radiation in medical imaging. Speakers range from equipment vendors who have added features to their imaging units that will reduce exposure, to the American College of Radiology (ACR). Both of these groups have implemented awareness campaigns and quality assurance initiatives.
Charlotte Radiology is proud to be closely aligned with the ACR, an industry leader in managing radiation exposure. Our group has embraced the "Image Gently" campaign which has raised awareness of pediatric radiation from medical imaging and how to limit radiation dose in children. Additionally, we participate in the ACR's quality assurance programs and have had the imaging equipment at our sites accredited to ensure that minimal doses of radiation are used. We recognize the risks involved with certain imaging studies and are committed to a continual review of our processes. We are currently developing protocols which seek ways to further limit radiation exposure while maintaining image quality for accurate diagnoses.
To learn more about radiation risks from medical imaging and how Charlotte Radiology is leading the way in managing those risks for the safety of our patients, visit: http://www.charlotteradiology.com/exposure_risks.php
Learn more about the FDA's Hearings at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/NewsEvents/WorkshopsConferences/ucm201448.htm#agenda
Learn more about the ACR's participation in the hearings at:
New study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons finds US Preventative Services Task Force mammography recommendations could hinder early detection.
Palpable breast cancers are more common in women not undergoing annual mammography
Having founded a formal organization in 2009, thirteen private-practice radiology groups across the country representing over 750 physicians today publicly announced the formation of Strategic Radiology (SR), an entity that embodies the vision and clinical goals of this network of like-minded regional medical practices, according to Van Moore, MD, Chairman of SR and president of Charlotte Radiology.
Press release: Regional Radiology Groups Form a National Consortium
Recent concerns over radiation exposure from imaging studies have left some patients unsure about the radiology studies ordered by their physicians. Radiology studies like CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, X-ray and mammography are imaging tools used to help diagnosis patients medical conditions. Some of these studies use radiation to obtain the picture, including CT, X-ray, Nuclear Medicine and mammography. The amount of radiation exposure varies by procedure, but typically radiation doses from imaging exams are relatively small and the clinical benefit of an exam far outweighs the risks.
Charlotte Radiology is committed to quality, accurate reads and participates in the American College of Radiology's (ACR) quality initiative programs. As a result we are actively involved in understanding and weighing the benefits and risk of our imaging procedures. Our "Radiation Risks" flier outlines some frequently asked questions as well as provides some questions you can ask your doctor about the test he or she recommended. You can learn more or download a PDF of the flier here.
Also notable, is a research story that broke last week indicating that women get 22% less radiation from Digital Mammography than from traditional analogue mammography. Charlotte Radiology is pleased to be the areas first provider for digital mammography; today all 12 of our Breast Imaging Centers are fully digital! Learn more here.
For more information or questions about radiation used in imaging studies, please call 704-334-7810.Charlotte Radiology and Cabarrus Radiologists are pleased to announce the completion of their merger, January 1, 2010. The groups have agreed to keep Charlotte Radiology's name and together employee more than 80 radiologists in 10 sub-specialty areas ranging from pediatric imaging and breast imaging to neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology. The merger provides opportunities for the group to further improve their quality patient care, allowing for expanded sub-specialized radiology coverage and the integration of their medical systems, which will further enhance access to patient records and reports.
They will provide sub-specialized radiology services to several hospitals in NC, including Carolinas Healthcare System hospitals in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Lincoln and Anson counties, as well as Scotland Memorial Hospital, Davis Regional Medical Center and First Health Richmond Memorial Hospital. In addition to the radiology services they provide to CHS, Charlotte Radiology now jointly owns five outpatient imaging centers, a vein and vascular center, an interventional clinic, 12 breast imaging centers, two mobile MRIs and a mobile ultrasound.
Press release: Local Radiology Groups Merger Complete
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on December 14 has stirred concerns over radiation exposure from CT exams being linked to cancer. While CT exams require more radiation than an x-ray, they also provides a more detailed picture. Total radiation exposure varies greatly by procedure; a typical Chest CT is comparable to the radiation exposure from radon gas annually emitted in the average home. The clinical benefit for diagnosis may outweigh the radiation risk; patients and their referring physician should consider the risks and benefits before proceeding with a CT study (i.e. what is the risk of not having the CT; is there alternate way to diagnosis, etc).
In their recent statement, the American College of Radiology points out that:
"No published studies show that radiation from imaging exams causes cancer. The conclusions of the authors of the ArchivesÍ studies rely largely on data which equates radiation exposure and effects experienced by atomic bomb survivors in Japan to present day patients who receive computed tomography (CT) scans. Most CT is performed in controlled settings and results in limited radiation exposure to a small portion of the body. Atomic bomb survivors experienced instantaneous exposure to the whole body. CT exams expose patients solely to X-rays. Atomic blast survivors were exposed to X-rays, particulate radiations, neutrons, and other radioactive materials. The known biological effects are very different for these two scenarios. Cancer assumptions based on this paradigm should be considered, but not accepted as medical fact.
Also, the articles ? after excluding patients with cancer or within five years of the end of life ? assumed that those undergoing CT scanning have the same life expectancy as the general population. This is not accurate, so the estimates are undoubtedly high. Moreover, 25 percent of people in the United States die of cancer with a life time incidence of 40 percent, about 1.5 million new cancers per year. The 29,000 figure, if even close to accurate, is overall a very small risk versus the immediate, proven life saving benefits of CT."
Finally, Charlotte Radiology participates in rigorous programs and has taken several steps to ensure our patients receive only the necessary amounts of radiation needed to achieve a quality image to properly diagnosis a patient. These steps include:
- All of our radiologists are board certified and have extensive training on techniques that minimize radiation exposure for patients.
- Our imaging units at all of our facilities are accredited by the ACR, meaning the equipment is calibrated and monitored to ensure radiation exposure is limited.
- Our imaging technologists are certified and trained to monitor radiation exposure on their equipment.
- We adjust the radiation exposure for each CT based on the size of the patient - this allows us to minimize radiation doses for children.
- Our radiologists use the ACR Appropriateness Criteria so that the most appropriate imaging exam is prescribed in order to avoid unnecessary exposure to scans that use radiation when other procedures that don't use radiation are better for a specific condition.
- Our radiologists participate in the ACR's "Image Gently" campaign, an initiative of the Alliance of Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging whose goal is to increase awareness of the opportunities to lower radiation doses in the imaging of children.
- Our radiologists are actively involved in the ACR and the American Board of Radiology so that they can monitor new trends for radiation dosing and implement new standards and guidelines quickly when needed.
Charlotte Radiology's affiliated hospital system, Carolinas Medical Center, meets guidelines and recommendations noted in the study for lowering the radiation doses, including:
- Standardizing protocols across sites
- Reducing multiple imaging series within each exam (multiphase studies)
- Implementing dose-reduction strategies
- Participating in accreditation programs such as those offered by the Reston, VA-based American College of Radiology (ACR)
For more information, please visit our "Resources" page on Radiation Exposure or contact, Katie Robbins, Director of Marketing & Practice Relations, Charlotte Radiology, 704-334-7800.
At a major radiology meeting today, a panel of leading radiologists "blasted" the US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations, stating that mammography has clear benefits and has reduced breast cancer mortality rates by 30%. Additionally the USPSTF appeared before the House today and stated their message was not clearly stated and that they meant to imply that screening mammography is more effective for women ages 50-74. For more information, visit these links:
MedPage Today: RSNA: Radiologists Disagree with USPSTF on Mammography
Reuters: US debate over mammograms splits along party lines
Youtube: Task Force Says It Poorly Communicated Breast Cancer Guidelines
Dutch researchers presented a preliminary study at a radiology conference Monday that suggests younger women with a high risk of breast cancer could increase that risk with the radiation exposure from yearly screening mammograms before age 40. However, the same researchers caution the issue needs more study, as research used old data that was taken from different countries. Today's newer technologies and stricter guidelines make it difficult to assess the older data accurately.
Charlotte Radiology follows national mammography standards to ensure we are using the lowest dose of radiation necessary for a high-quality mammogram, making the amount of radiation emitted similar to a plane trip from Charlotte to LA. For more information on radiation exposure from radiology procedures, please see:
CharlotteRadiology.com: Radiation Exposure Risks
Susan G. Komen: Susan G. Komen for the Cure - Statement on Young Women Mammogram Safety Study
Several local medical experts have collaborated to issue the following joint statement in response to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's new recommended guidelines for mammography.
As breast cancer and women's health experts we feel it is important for women to continue following screening recommendations from the American Cancer Society, including scheduling annual mammograms beginning at age 40. We do not support the recent recommendations presented by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and feel their findings are not in the best interest of women's health.
Signed:
- William K. Poston, Jr., MD, President, Mecklenburg County Medical Society
- E. Winters Mabry, MD, Health Director, Mecklenburg County Health Department
- Richard B. Reiling, MD, FACS, Medical Director, Presbyterian Cancer Center
- Frederick L. Greene, MD, FACS, Chairman, Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center
- Nicole Abinanti, MD, Director of Women's Imaging, Mecklenburg Radiology Associates, Presbyterian Breast Center
- Arl Van Moore, Jr., MD, President, Charlotte Radiology
Charlotte Radiology stands by the American Cancer Society's guidelines for screening mammography, stating that women should receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Numerous international studies conducted over the years have proven that screening mammography has reduced the mortality rate in women ages 40-49 by 25%. The Tabar study, the largest mammography study conducted in Sweden, states an even higher percentage - mortality rates have dropped by 40% for women ages 40-49 and by 44% for women ages 40-69.
Reuters: New U.S. guidelines: Routine mammograms start at 50
CharlotteRadiology.com: The Facts on Screening Mammography
PDF: Frequently Asked Questions on Screening Mammography for Women ages 40-49
ACR.org: Detailed ACR Statement on Ill Advised and Dangerous USPSTF Mammography Recommendations
Charlotte Radiology is pleased to be the only private physician practice named in the 2009 "Best Places to Work" in Charlotte list, generated by the Charlotte Business Journal. The group was named 8 out of the top 15 Large Employer Groups.
Charlotte Business Journal: Best Places to Work honorees named
WBTV The Good News
1 in 8 Ladies on WCNC
1 in 8 Ladies on WBTV
1 in 8 Women Ben and Jerry's
1 in 8 Women at Trade and Tryon:
Charlotte Radiology's 1in8 women at Dilworth Coffee:
News 14 Carolina:
Press release: Charlotte Radiology gets creative, encouraging annual mammograms
Crime novelist and UNCC professor links up with an osteoporosis awareness campaign
The Charlotte Observer: The bones connection
Charlotte Radiology and Cabarrus Radiologists will merge their practices, effective Jan. 1.
Charlotte Business Journal: Charlotte Radiology, Cabarrus Radiologists to merge
Charlotte Observer: Radiology practices will combine
By the end of this fall, all three hospitals in Iredell County will offer digital mammograms. Lake Norman Imaging Center has it in place and Iredell Health System's Board of Directors approved the purchase of a new system Thursday.
Statesville.com: Iredell hospitals get boost in breast cancer detection
Dale R. Shaw, MD, FACR, received the Silver Medal Award from the NC Chapter of the American College of Radiology (ACR) at a ceremony on February 14, 2009. Dr. Shaw practices both breast imaging and general radiology with Charlotte Radiology, P.A. The Silver Medal Award is given to physicians for extraordinary service to the NC Chapter of the ACR. It is the highest honor awarded by the Society and is only presented as deemed deserved. Dr. Shaw is the 11th recipient and the 2nd Charlotte Radiology physician to be honored.
At Charlotte Radiology you will find a team of 65+ specialty-trained, board-certified physicians and facilities accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR). And with the latest technology and diagnostic equipment at our fingertips you can count on us for an accurate diagnosis. We are proud to be one of the largest and most progressive radiology groups in the Southeast. Before going to an imaging facility, make sure to ask your doctor about the radiology group and exam itself. Is the physician reading your exam specialized or fellowship trained in that particular area of the body? What kind of machine will be used for the exam and is the facility accredited by the ACR? The following article will give you some tips about how to be involved in your radiology health care decisions. For questions call 704.334.7810 or email info@charlotteradiology.com.
ABC News: All MRIs Are Not Created Equal
To see if the imaging center you've been referred to is ACR accredited, please visit: What Does It Mean for a Facility to be Accredited by the ACR?
Diagnostic mammography moves from CMC-Union to Charlotte Radiology's new outpatient facility - 1550 Faulk Street, Suite 1200 - located next to CMC-Union's Outpatient Treatment Pavilion.
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology's Monroe Breast Center Expands Services in a New Location
Technology Partners, Inc. (dba IMAGINE Software), a leading provider of medical billing technology, announces that Charlotte Radiology, one of the largest radiology practices in the United States, has selected the IMAGINEradiology practice management system for their billing and collection needs.
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology Selects IMAGINEradiology
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology Selects IMAGINEradiology
Press Release: Via Radiology Selects IMAGINEradiology
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology Selects IMAGINEradiology
Charlotte Radiology named top ten best places to work for the second year in a row by Charlotte Business Journal. Only Physician Group to be named!
RT Image showcases one of the largest digital mammography transitions in the country from the perspective of the radiology practice. Read about the successes, challenges and efforts as told by Charlotte Radiology's own Cathleen Bates and Katie Robbins.
Senior High School girls from Providence Day and their mothers attended a Breast Cancer Awareness event on Thursday, October 23. Former student and Charlotte Radiology employee, Madeline Wear shared in the luncheon and event by teaching the girls how to catch breast cancer early.
Article: School urges breast cancer awareness
The Charlotte Observer-- Karen Garloch, interview with Dr. Terry Wallace and the breast health navigator from Presby on the myths/truths about breast health
Article: Clearing up fact from fiction
An inside look at Charlotte Radiology: Promoting an Image of Wellness.
Article: Promoting An Image of Wellness
Charlotte Radiology President Dr. Arl V. Moore named a 2008 Impact Health Care Leader by Charlotte Business Leader.
Article: Impact Health Care Leaders 2008
Charlotte Radiology Physician Dr. Christopher Ullrich, and head of the American College of Radiology's managed-care committee, quoted in Bloomberg article regarding Insurance Companies attempts to cut imaging costs.
Article: Medical Scans Waste $30 Billion a Year, Insurers Say
Charlotte Radiology's Drs. Hartley, Oliver, Talarico and Ullrich recognized as "Top Doctors" by Charlotte Magazine.
Article: Top Doctors 2008
Charlotte's First Comprehensive Imaging Center Closes; New Morrocroft Imaging Center Offers Patients More Options Under One Roof.
Press Release: A New Vision for Imaging in Charlotte
Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Imaging Services Expanded Into Morrocroft; add more services in Ballantyne, Matthews and Northcross!
Charlotte Chamber: Charlotte Radiology Grows Into New Space
dBusinessNews: New facility offers patients more options under one roof
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology Grows Into New Space
Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Medical Center are now among the cutting edge institutions in the country offering an advanced treatment for patients suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Medical Center Offer An Innovative New Treatment for Blood Clots
Article: Charlotte Radiology and Carolinas Medical Center Offer an Innovation New Treatment for Blood Clots
Dr. Arl Van Moore Jr. received the Silver Medal Award from the North Carolina Radiological Society at an April 12 award ceremony in Chapel Hill. The Silver Medal Award is given to physicians for their extraordinary service to the North Carolina Chapter of the American College of Radiology. It is the highest honor of that the North Carolina Radiological Society gives.
dBusinessNews Article: Charlotte Radiology Doctor Awarded Highest State-level Professional Honor
Press Release: Charlotte Radiology Doctor Awarded Highest State-level Professional Honor
Article: CR Doctor Awarded Highest State-Level Professional Honor
Press release: Charlotte Radiology Takes Four out of Seven Marketing Awards
Press release: Large Scale, Historical Controlled Study Finds CAD Increases Sensitivity in Cancer Detection with Only a Small Increase in Recall Rate
Reuters Article: Computer-Aided Detection in Screening Mammography Enhances Performance of a Single Reader
DiagnosticImaging.com Article: Large screening mammography study restores faith in CAD
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has added Virtual Colonoscopy, also called CT Colonography, to its five-year colon screening guidelines, after a review of recent data that suggests CT Colonography is comparable to traditional colonoscopy for detecting cancer and polyps of significant size when state-of-the-art techniques are applied. The new guidelines for CT Colonography are also endorsed by the American College of Radiology and three major gastrointestinal societies: the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (AGSE), and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG).
Currently, many health plans and Medicare are beginning to cover CT Colonography if a patient fails the conventional colonoscopy due to a known colonic lesion, structural abnormality or obstruction or technical difficulty that prevents adequate visualization of the entire colon. However, patients are encouraged to check with their individual plan regarding their coverage options.
These screening guideline changes will likely result in more health plans and insurers covering Virtual Colonoscopy as a screening tool for colon cancer, in addition to their current coverage for the exam as a follow up solution for failed colonoscopies.
For more information, please visit the Charlotte Radiology CT Colonography page
NY Times Article: Two Tests Added to Recommended List to Prevent or Detect Colorectal Cancer
ACS Article: Prevention the Focus of New Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines
As of December 21, Charlotte Radiology, in collaboration with Greensboro Radiology, has assumed radiology services at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden. The agreement, where the groups share the responsibility for radiology services, is the first of its kind.
The groups have a history of providing services to local hospitals. Charlotte Radiology provides radiology services to the Carolinas Health System hospitals, as well as several others and several outpatient imaging centers. Greensboro Radiology provides radiology services to the Moses Cone Health System, as well as Randolph Hospital, Chatham Hospital and several outpatient imaging centers.
The agreement allows the hospital to provide local service backed by access to more than 100 fellowship-trained, highly subspecialized radiologists at both practices. Through the use of secure information technology, scans conducted at Morehead can be read by radiologists in either Charlotte or Greensboro, if not read by the local radiologist.
Press release: Morehead Memorial Hospital Announces New Radiology Partnership
Press release: New partnership and technology improves patient care in North Carolina.
Keep a record of your X-ray history and before undergoing a scan, you should ask your physician:
- Why do I need this exam?
- How will having this exam improve my health care?
- Are there alternatives that do not use radiation which are equally as good (e.g.. MRI, ultrasound, etc.)
- Is this facility ACR accredited? (ensures that physician and staff meet education and training standards and that equipment is surveyed regularly by medical physicist to ensure that it is functioning properly)
ACR article: ACR Responds to NEJM Article on Radiation Risk Associated With CT Scans
Press release: Charlotte Radiology Honored as One of Charlotte�?s Best Places to Work
The Charlotte Business Journal: Best Places to Work 2007
American Cancer Society Article: ACS Advises MRIs for Some at High Risk of Breast Cancer
Gastonia Charlotte Radiology Breast Center opens
Press release: Care Close To Home: New Breast Cancer Screening Center Opens in Gastonia
Article in Gaston Gazette: Charlotte Radiology will be Talbots' neighbor in Gastonia
