President's Letter

by Mark H. Awh, M.D.

Dear Colleagues:

Recent years have been tumultuous for radiology in general, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) is no exception. Through the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 and subsequent regulatory modifications enacted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, MR in particular has felt the brunt of numerous medical imaging reimbursement cuts. Whether you are a physician who practices MR,  a technologist who obtains those studies, or a vendor who offers the equipment, we have all been impacted by the financial challenges of this period. In times like these, it is easy to throw up one’s hands and proclaim that the “glory years” have passed us by. Yet despite these challenges, I maintain that the future remains bright for MR. Advances in technology and interpretive abilities continue to grow rapidly, such that disease states and anatomical regions that were once beyond the purview of MR are now readily accessible. The aging population will demand accurate diagnoses in greater numbers, and motivated physicians and technologists will have numerous opportunities to fill this need. More....

In this Issue:

ARTICLES

• MR Imaging of Bowel and Peritoneum
• High Risk Screening Breast MRI

FEATURES

• CME Events Calendar
• CMRS Summer 2010 Challenge
• CMRS Fall 2009/Winter 2010 Challenge & Solution