Barco introduced an iPad quality analysis (QA) tool, tomosynthesis display system and Nexxis, a video-over-IP tool for image distribution in the operating room, at the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago, Nov. 27 to Dec. 2.

Colchicine treatment started on day three after cardiac surgery reduced the incidence of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) without significant side effects, according to a study published online Nov. 16 in Circulation. Compared with placebo, colchicine also trimmed patients hospital and rehabilitation stays, making treatment a potentially a cost-saving approach for managing patients.

CHICAGOThe security of employment through a hospital is a draw for some radiologists looking for guaranteed pay, low overhead and other benefits, and some hospitals are seeking to incorporate radiology departments as a way to maintain quality control and produce additional revenue. But the grass may not be greener on the employment side of the fence, at least according to a case study presented by Patricia Kroken, principal of Healthcare Resource Providers of Albuquerque in New Mexico, during a Nov. 29 presentation at the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA).

CHICAGOThe RAW file format, an alternative imaging format, offers improved photo editing, compared with traditional techniques, said Mahesh M. Thapa, MD, of Seattle Childrens Hospital and University of Washington, in a Nov. 28 presentation during the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA).

CHICAGOHospitals, aiming to cut costs while simultaneously improving patient care, are increasingly joining integrated delivery networks (IDNs), which now make up 50 percent of U.S. hospitals, said Abraham Seidmann, PhD, professor, Simon Graduate School of Business in Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 28 at the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Welcome to the December issue of CMIO. I am excited and honored to serve as editor-at-large. As a long-time reader, and having served on the editorial advisory board, I am familiar with the content and direction of the magazine.

With this editorial, Id like to offer my greetings to the CMIO readers as I join the staff as editor.

The Direct Project is well on its way to achieving its objective of becoming an on-ramp to the nationwide health information superhighway. In this article, several state programs share their Direct Project efforts.