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.

Although the future for MR is difficult to predict, it is my hope that the focus on quality and appropriateness that legislators have recently espoused will in fact become a reality. In my opinion, any measures that demand higher quality will be good for CMRS members, who by their involvement have already demonstrated a keen interest in the advancement of quality within the field. Through efforts such as our quarterly publication The Vision, CMRS credentialing of MR interpreters, protocol assistance and peer networking on our website, and our renowned annual educational meeting for physicians and technologists, the CMRS serves as a powerful advocate for clinical MR practitioners. Since its founding in 1996, the CMRS has endeavored to promote the highest standards of clinical excellence in MR. No matter what challenges lay ahead, the provision of superior healthcare should and will be our most important goal, and as a society, the CMRS will do its utmost to assist its membership in achieving that objective.

Sincerely,
Mark H. Awh, M.D.

 

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