Justifying costs for new X-ray equipment is very difficult in this day and age due to low reimbursement.  However, the X-ray modalities are a necessity of life for any diagnostic facility.

Medical equipment logistics and transport is not an area you want to gloss over during an important imaging equipment acquisition. You have a business to run, people to manage, budgets to monitor, and a task list a mile long. When it is time to add cost effective imaging equipment to your facility, does part of you dread the hassle? While there will certainly be items for you to take care of internally, you should be able to rely upon your equipment provider to make setting up your “new” system easy for you.  However, there are many equipment providers who do not have expert project managers to help ensure the transaction is executed painlessly. 

Over the last decade, the transition has been swift from analog to full field digital mammography.  The following is a list and description of the three different options available in the GE digital mammography line-up.  While each of the systems were designed with fast and comfortable positioning, accurate dose efficiency, image quality and digital connectivity in mind; there are a few differences to note.

Senographe 2000D 

GE unveiled the Senographe 2000D in the year 2000 and was their introduction into the world of full-field digital mammography.  The 2000D incorporates GE’s Revolution digital flat panel detector that was designed to achieve superior image quality and reliability.  This first digital system was designed to set the stage for future advanced applications.  The 2000D is readily available on the secondary market and is a great fit for lower volume centers who are looking to save big dollars as they dip their toe into the world of digital mammography.

Senographe DS

In 2004, GE took digital mammography to the next level by unveiling the Senographe DS which includes stereotactic capabilities.  The DS became their first system to integrate screening, diagnosis and interventional capabilities into one system.  The DS uses the same size flat panel detector as the 2000D, but with a smaller tube.  With the inclusion of the stereotactic option, some have found this to be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a dedicated stereotactic table.

Senographe Essential 

Introduced in 2006, the Essential is the “Cadillac” of the GE Digital line.  It has the largest active field of view available on the market at 24x31cm.  What this means it that in a single exposure, you are able to maximize image quality regardless of breast size or density.  As with the DS, the Essential also has stereotactic capability, allowing for a complete clinical solution.

Refurbished Mammography Prices

The burning question of course is now, “How much does digital mammography equipment cost?”  While determination of value will vary greatly depending on the model, age, refurbishment, service agreement and additional options such as CAD and Radiologist’s Workstation (RWS), the equipment ranges from $140,000-$275,000.  The lower end is of course the most basic equipment without a workstation and highest end is for the most modern equipment, CAD and additional RWS.   

When discussing 16 slice Philips CT scanners, the first distinction that must be made is which version are we talking about... the MX8000 IDT 16 or the Philips Brilliance 16? I’ll try to demystify the difference between the two and help you determine which one is best for your needs (or maybe even help identify which one you already own).  The main reason for the confusion is simply that there are TWO names for THREE types of systems and there are pretty dramatic differences in their features and price.

MX8000 IDT 16 with Old Style Gantry

The first type is the MX8000 IDT 16, with the older style gantry (the V design). This scanner was generally manufactured through the end of 2003 and it is the same gantry that was used all the way back to the MX8000 Dual Slice Scanner (as early as 1998). This scanner will always be water cooled and it will have the Dura Akron Q tube (5.3 mhu). If it says “Brilliance” it will be in software only.

MX8000 IDT 16 that LOOKS Like a Brilliance

The second type of 16 Slice Philips CT is still the MX8000 IDT 16, but it LOOKS like the newer Brilliance scanner (with the Box style covers). Sometimes this scanner will actually say “Brilliance” on it, so it is confusing, but nearly ALL of the parts are interchangeable with the MX8000 IDT 16 described above. It is always water cooled and it will always have the Akron Q tube (5.3). Nearly 100% of this version were manufactured in 2004 (sort of a transition year to the true “Brilliance” we’ll discuss next).

You think to yourself, today's going to be a good day...  The medical imaging part you ordered to fix the mobile x-ray has arrived and you figure that you can have everything repaired by noon and still have a chance of making your daughter’s first parent-teacher conference.  As you approach the mobile unit, you smile at the techs waiting for you to work your magic.  But wait, the part you ordered looks a little different than the one you are replacing. Uh oh...  As all of the heat in your body rises to your face, you realize this is not the correct part at all.  The techs begin to sense your confidence leaving the room and they know by the look on your face that something isn’t quite right.

Here is an update on the proposed grace period for MIPPA’s mandatory accreditation for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging (ADI) providers. If this is news to you, check out this great MIPPA accreditation summary by the Block Team. The accreditation requirement basically says that if you are a physician or facility (other than a hospital), and you do CT, MRI, PET or Nuclear studies, you must be accredited by January 1, 2012 in order to continue receiving Medicare reimbursements.

Everyone has gotten an email survey, or phone survey at least once, right? You answer the phone only to hear, “Ms. Payne we are not trying to sell you anything we just need a few minutes of your time to answer these few short questions concerning…” Or perhaps you receive the email message that promises that the survey will only take you 2 minutes to complete.

November 3-9 marks National Radiologic Technology Week, held to celebrate the invaluable Rad Techs without whom we would not have a Medical Equipment Industry. We here at Block would like to thank all the Technologists that combine the technology of our industry with humanity to make quality patient care possible.

The RSNA annual meeting is less than a month away… Which means it is the perfect time to give you a few tips to help make the most of your RSNA visit to Chicago! Read all the way to the end where I reveal my top secret RSNA tips (you can thank me later when you visit the Block Imaging booth).

First Things First… The Basics

I highly recommend making the most of RSNA’s attendee resource page that answers common questions about education, registration, housing and travel.

The world has gone digital, but there are still a few of you struggling with wet film processors trying to figure out if a CR system will save you money. To find the answer to that question, you will need to do a little math.  I know you probably just groaned audibly, but stick with me... the equation is pretty easy to understand.

As the world of breast imaging and breast biopsy continues to shift rapidly toward a single integrated mammography solution, the accessibility and value for stand-alone stereotactic tables has never been better. As you consider which stereotactic biopsy table is right for your healthcare organization, the following is some basic information on two of the leading tables in the marketplace: Lorad Multicare Platinum vs. the Fischer MammoVision (currently marketed as the MammoTest Plus). 

Fischer MammoTest Plus

The Fischer MammoVision is designed with a 28-cm opening which allows for maximum arm rotation, includes an electromagnetic floating table top and an open tube for the surgeon’s comfort.  The exclusive angled targeting feature on the MammoTest allows for superior access.  In recent years, Siemens Medical Systems acquired Fischer Imaging Corporation and is now marketing a new table, the MammoTest, imploring a very similar configuration as the original MammoVision.

Hologic Multicare Platinum

The Hologic Multicare Platinum uses flexible positioning of both the patient and needle, allowing for true 360 degree access.  Approach angles can be varied with minimal to no patient adjustment, ensuring fast and efficient completion of procedures.  A final advantage of the Multicare system is the footprint which allows for installation in smaller operating rooms.