An article recently published on itnonline.com states that over the past two decades, MSK ultrasound has emerged as an effective means of diagnosing MSK pathology.  The article refers to a study in the February issue of the Journal of American College of Radiology which states that the volume of musculoskeletal ultrasound increased among non-radiologists more than radiologists themselves between 2000 and 2009. 

Recently on beckersorthopedicandspine.com, Abby Callard wrote an interesting article entitled “5 points on Ultrasound for Pain Management”.  She discusses the future of ultrasound technology for pain management in both diagnostic and procedural applications with Michael Gofeld, MD. 

1. Ultrasound results in increased diagnostic specificity.

“MRI is the most common imaging technology used in musculoskeletal diagnosis; however it is a static tool, says Dr. Gofeld.”

Dr. Gofeld states that while MRI is the most common imaging technology used in musculoskeletal diagnosis, it is a “static tool” that produces a “snapshot of the moment” and does not show how nerves and joints are working in motion to show nerve impingements or entrapments, for example.  An ultrasound can do this, and unlike MRI it can also “pick up superficial layers, small nerve injuries and anatomical structures hidden by surrounding scars and metallic hardware.”

As ultrasound usage continues to grow in emergency departments, ultrasound directors feel their billing and exam management programs are struggling to meet their demands.  Here is an interesting survey on ultrasound image and exam management we thought we’d share.  UltraLinq polled 122 ultrasound directors throughout the US to see how ultrasound was being used and how well their exams were being managed.

The survey showed:

“… 40% of the departments indicated they billed for less than 1/3 of these exams, while only 20% claimed to be billing for “Mostly All” of their exams. Those that bill for the minority of exams cited a variety of reasons including poor image quality, lack of credentialing and inadequate departmental documentation.”

Are major healthcare institutions exceeding the level of care most patients need?  Clayton M. Christensen, MBA, a Professor of Business Administration at the Harvard Business School, seems to think so.   He discussed disruptive innovation and how it applies to healthcare in his keynote address, “The Innovator’s Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Healthcare,” at the CHIME 2011 Fall CIO Forum.

Christensen uses the emergence of ultrasound for clinical applications as an example of a technology “disruptive” to the inefficient standards of

modern healthcare.   Compared with other imaging systems, ultrasound is an inexpensive, simpler, more convenient product that ultimately lets low-cost professionals provide sophisticated services in an affordable setting.  An article entitled “Healthcare needs to become more disruptive and simple” recently posted on CardiovascularBusiness.com explains: