Dr. Raymond Tu was faculty advisor on a research project on health care reform which was presented at the ACR Annual Meeting and Chapter Leadership Conference (AMCLC) in Washington D.C. May 14-18. Dr. Tu mentored Dr. Samir Amin, first year radiology resident on this research project which received The AMCLC Resident and Fellows Section (RFS) Advocacy Award.
To learn more about Dr. Tu "Click here"
To learn more about Progressive Radiology visit www.progressiveradiology.net
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death of both men and women in the United States. Each year more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and secondhand smoke increases your risk of developing lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), at least 3,000 nonsmokers per year die from lung cancer related to secondhand smoke.
Lung cancer is more common in adults over 45 years of age. Other risk factors that may increase the risk of developing lung cancer:
Asbestos
High levels of air pollution
Family history of lung cancer
Radon gas exposure
Exposure to cancer causing chemicals possibly related to occupation
(chloromethyl ethers, gasoline, beryllium, mustard gas, uranium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, diesel exhaust)
If you fit into any of the categories above, and you are currently asymptomatic, then you maybe a perfect candidate for a low radiation dose CT scan of your chest to evaluate your lungs for early signs of lung cancer.
The rationale for having this test is based on a major scientific study called the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which compared two methods of early detection of lung cancer: chest X-ray and low-dose CT scans. The results showed that participants who received low-dose CT scans had a 20 % lower risk of dying from lung cancer than those who received chest X-rays.
These results are very promising and may offer hope to hundreds of thousands of people. However, because this is the first study to show that lung cancer screening may save lives, and has not yet been widely accepted as a routine screening practice, most insurance plans do not cover the cost of the exam.
Progressive Radiology is excited to offer this service at our Bel Air and Salisbury Sweetbay Drive locations at the low cost of $135.00.
The exam itself takes only a few minutes, needs no preparation, is painless (no injection), and is safe. Your images will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist and a written report will be sent to your medical provider. You will leave our office with your own copy of your exam on a CD ROM.
What is your piece of mind worth to you?
Ask your medical provider today if you are a candidate for this screening. Schedule your appointment on-line or by calling our office. We also offer same day walk-in appointments. Please bring your prescription with you at the time of your exam.
To learn more about Dr. Jill Wilkens "Click here"
To learn more about Progressive Radiology visit www.progressiveradiology.net
Progressive Radiology is pleased to offer referring physicians the option to request referral pads anytime, anywhere on-line via the Progressive Radiology website.
Hospitals and radiology practices around the United States have increasingly begun using high-tech CT scans to screen people for lung cancer despite intense disagreement about whether the testing should be done widely and, if so, who should undergo the exams.
The trend was triggered by a recent federal study, which found that screening certain heavy smokers and ex-smokers could slash their chances of dying from lung cancer. The finding was hailed as one of the most important advances in decades toward reducing the toll from the nation’s leading cancer killer.
Proponents of screening say the scans could save thousands of lives, and people at risk of lung cancer should be able to get the exams — and insurance companies should pay for them — in consultation with their doctors.
Critics of wide-scale testing acknowledge that CT screening represents an exciting advance but argue that it remains far from clear whether the benefits will outweigh the risks in the real world. Screening millions of Americans could do more harm than good by spawning a wave of false alarms that prompt costly, dangerous and needless follow-up testing, biopsies and surgeries, they say.
More than 222,000 Americans receive lung cancer diagnoses each year, and more than 157,000 die from the disease — more than from cancers of the breast, colon and prostate combined. Lung cancer has remained notoriously difficult to treat, in part because it is often diagnosed too late.
There are about 100 million current and former smokers in the United States, all of whom are at increased risk. Many more might be prone to the disease because of family history or exposure to substances such as radon and asbestos.
CT scans create three-dimensional images of the lungs, instead of the two-dimensional perspectives captured by chest X-rays. Scans are more likely to spot small tumors, boosting the chances of survival.
In November, the National Cancer Institute announced it was stopping the $250 million National Lung Screening Trial, which was testing the approach in 53,500 men and women in 33 sites across the United States, when it became clear the scans could slash the death rate by a stunning 20 percent compared with old-fashioned chest X-rays.
Even though many hospitals and radiology practices can do CT scans because they offer them for other purposes, officials said that more analysis was needed to answer many questions, including precisely who might benefit and under what conditions.
The scans produced false alarms in about 40 percent of cases in the study. While screening saved 88 lives among the trial participants, 16 patients died from apparent complications from follow-up procedures, including six who did not have cancer.
“Screening for lung cancer saves lives, but it is a double-edged sword,” said Otis W. Brawley, the American Cancer Society’s chief medical and scientific officer. “There’s a huge benefit, but there’s also a documented risk and a documented harm.”
Leading medical groups are urging doctors to wait until experts carefully review the findings. They also want the results of a federally funded cost-benefit analysis, which is underway. Insurers, including the government’s powerful and influential Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, say they will review the outcomes of those deliberations before deciding whether to pay for scans.
Health experts have been questioning the value of screening for many health problems. In recent years, intense debates have erupted over whether mammography for breast cancer, PSA testing for prostate cancer and Pap smears for cervical cancer are overused. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which triggered a firestorm when it raised questions about mammography, is evaluating CT scans for lung cancer.
No one tracks how commonly CT screening is done for lung cancer, but a number of centers have announced they were starting screening programs since the findings were released, and interviews with radiologists and other experts around the country indicate the trend is accelerating.
Most major medical centers only screen people who fit the strict criteria of the study: those age 55 to 74 who have a smoking history of at least 30 “pack years.” Critics are less worried about those programs, especially because the centers have experienced interdisciplinary teams skilled at minimizing unnecessary follow-up CT scans, biopsies and surgeries.
But some centers go beyond that, testing people who are younger, older and have never smoked but may be at increased risk for many reasons, including exposure to secondhand smoke or workplace hazards.
“We’ve always said it’s a personal decision an individual needs to make,” said Claudia Henschke, a professor of radiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York.
Deborah Morosini, 52, of Boston, was screened in December at Mount Sinai because her mother died of ovarian cancer and her sister, Dana Reeve — wife of the late actor Christopher Reeve — died of lung cancer at age 44 even though she never smoked.
“I really am very clear that if I am going to have lung cancer, I want it to be an early lung cancer,” Morosini said. “I do my mammographies. I do my colonoscopies and my Pap smears and all manner of screening.”
Some practices will screen anyone who comes in with a doctor’s prescription, and some are marketing the scans with radio ads and billboards.
“I think it’s valid to offer it to people,” said Jill Wilkens, a radiologist at Progressive Radiology, which offers the screening at two of its 10 offices in the Washington area. “Lung cancer is such an ominous terrible, terrible disease, and most of the time we find it when it’s too late to offer a cure.”
Matthew Bullock, 38, of McLean and his wife were screened at Washington Radiology Associates in May because both had a lot of cancer in their families. Bullock also said he smoked for about 18 years.
“We have three young boys. We just thought it was a reasonable thing to do,” Bullock said.
Peter B. Bach, a lung cancer specialist and epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, called testing people other than those who fit the criteria in the study — especially outside centers that have highly skilled interdisciplinary teams to follow-up on the results — “unconscionable.”
The false-positive rate could easily be significantly higher among a broader population, and the risks could be greater because those in the study were relatively healthy despite their smoking history. The scans can also detect other potential problems — and false alarms — near the lungs, including aneurysms, masses in the abdomen and even heart problems.
“The scans open a Pandora’s box,” Bach said.
Some question whether some hospitals and practices were offering the tests to generate revenue.
“One of the reasons health-care costs are spiraling out of control is because there is a kind of medical gluttony on the part of physicians and patients,” said Brawley, of the American Cancer Society. “Sometimes it’s out of fear on the part of the patient, and sometimes it’s for other unfortunate reasons on the part of health-care providers: profit.”
But others said people at risk for lung cancer should consider consulting with their doctor about getting screened.
“Those who would suggest that cost may be reason for delaying implementation of this benefit implies that a life saved from lung cancer is less valued than any other,” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, president and chief executive of the Lung Cancer Alliance. “Imagine if this was the HIV community. Imagine if it were breast cancer. Why is there always a ‘but’ with lung cancer?”
To learn more about Dr. Jill Wilkens "Click here"
To learn more about Progressive Radiology visit www.progressiveradiology.net
Progressive Radiology is pleased to announce the renewed accreditation of their MRI scanner by the American College of Radiology at Silver Spring.
The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Image quality and procedure evaluations are conducted by board-certified radiologists and medical physicists who are experts in the field.
The program also evaluates personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.
When you choose an ACR-accredited facility, you know that:
• The imaging center has voluntarily gone through a rigorous review process to be sure it meets nationally-accepted standards.
• The personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform and interpret your medical images and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
• The equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and the facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
Our goal is to provide safe, high-quality care for our patients, while offering unsurpassed customer service, superior image quality and rapid diagnostic interpretations.
Progressive Radiology at Silver Spring is located at:
1010 Wayne Avenue
Suite 151
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
301-495-4674 Office
301-495-5575 Fax
Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. EST.
Saturday by appointment.
To schedule an appointment, please call (301) 495-4674 or “click here”
For additional information about Progressive Radiology, please visit our website at www.progressiveradiology.net
The staff at Progressive Radiology is proud to continue the fight against breast cancer. As part of our commitment, Progressive Radiology developed a fundraising campaign designing breast cancer awareness t-shirts that are being sold at the Bel Air office. The t-shirts are offered to the community and staff for a cost of 12 dollars with 100% of the revenue going directly to The American Cancer Society (ACS). If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirt and or making a donation please contact our Bel Air office at 410-838-6767. To learn more about Progressive Radiology and future initiatives please visit www.Progressiveradiology.net
Progressive Radiology has expanded by bringing diagnostic imaging services to the University of Maryland athletic teams.
Progressive Radiology is pleased to announce that Dr. Chad Silverberg joins our reading radiologists. To learn more about Dr. Chad Silverberg "Click Here".
Progressive Radiology participated in the Harford Business Expo at the Harford Hall in Bel Air, MD October 14-15. Progressive’s staff promoted Breast Cancer Awareness along with the services offered at their Bel Air, Colonnade location. Progressive offers Digital Mammo, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Bone Density, Digital X-Ray and Pediatric imaging services in Bel Air at the Colonnade.
To learn about Progressive Radiology and our services visit www.progressiveradiology.net
Progressive Radiology is pleased to announce that Dr. Riad Charafeddine joins our reading radiologists. To learn more about Dr. Riad Charafeddine "Click Here".
Dr. Raymond Tu interviewed by Diagnostic Imaging Live on low-dose technologies.
Low-dose technologies — Here’s a look at some of the low-dose imaging solutions, how the U.S. marketplace is responding to the call, and when it is appropriate to use a low-dose modality. Our expert weighs in about why it matters and whether it’s working.
Speaker: Raymond Tu, MD, Progressive Radiology of Washington, D.C.
To view Diagnostic Imaging's complete agenda visit http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/live/agenda
To learn more about Dr. Raymond Tu "Click here"
Progressive Radiology strives to provide exceptional radiology services, with easy and rapid access to test results. With rapid, secure access to critical medical information, physicians have the information necessary to treat their patients effectively at their fingertips.
In October 2011, Progressive Radiology implemented the InteleConnect program, allowing referring physicians access to patient’s radiology results and images through a secure, browser-based portal. InteleConnect is designed to meet the needs of the referring physician, and allows access from mobile devices as well as PCs. InteleConnect supports both Windows and Mac browsers, along with smart phones and mobile devices such as the iPad, iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
Progressive Radiology is a leader in radiology and imaging services. To learn more about Progressive Radiology and our services visit www.progressiveradiology.net
Are you uninsured or underinsured?
Imaging tests can cost two to three times more in a hospital, or in an imaging center affiliated with a hospital. You can choose to have your examination done at an outpatient imaging center, and save money.
Highlights of the Progressive Radiology’s discount program:
You do not have to be a member of an association or depend upon your employer to take advantage of the discount healthcare program benefits.
For more information about Progressive Radiology’s discount imaging costs “click here”
To find an office near you, visit www.progressiveradiology.net
We look forward to helping you with your health care imaging needs.
The Medical Director at the Bel Air office, Dr. Wilkens, is proud to announce successfully passing the annual MQSA inspection. She attributes the continued success of digital mammography and women's imaging at the Bel Air office largely due to the dedicated hard work and exceptional service of the lead mammography technologist, Jackie, and the entire staff.
You can now receive the exceptional service and expertise from Progressive Radiology for your imaging health care needs in Greenbelt, MD.
Progressive Radiology is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Greenbelt, MD. The Greenbelt location will offer 3.0T High Field, Wide Bore MRI technology. This 3T MRI scanner offers the newest technology, and Progressive Radiology is one of the first three installations in the world. This state-of-the-art technology provides highly detailed and precise images, allowing accurate and rapid diagnosis of many medical conditions that will be missed by conventional MRI scanners.
To schedule an appointment, please call (301) 464-6400 or “click here”
Greenbelt 3.0T
7701 Greenbelt Road
Suite 102
Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone 301-464-6400
Hours 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. EST.
Progressive Radiology is pleased to announce that Dr. David Boyd joins our reading radiologists. To learn more about Dr. David Boyd "Click Here".
Dr. Raymond Tu selected as a manuscript reviewer for the American Journal of Neuroadiology (AJNR). The mission of AJNR is to further knowledge in all aspects of neuroimaging, head and neck imaging, and spine imaging for neuroradiologists, radiologists, trainees, scientists, and associated professionals through publication of quality peer-reviewed articles that lead to the highest standards in patient care, research, and education and to promote discussion of these and other issues through its electronic activities.
To learn more about Dr. Raymond Tu "Click here"
Progressive Radiology’s Bel Air location is undergoing much needed renovations to serve our patients and medical providers better. A multiphase enhancement project which began in early February 2012 and will continue until early Summer 2012 includes building improvements, aesthetic enhancements, technology and equipment upgrades. Only our exceptional customer service remains untouched. We will stay open for business throughout the entire project and look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.
To learn more about Progressive Radiology please visit www.progressiveradiology.net
The CPT Editorial Panel prepares CPT codes submitted by specialty societies, commenting on other applicant proposals in advance of Panel meetings, and assists the ASNR RUC Advisor in preparing submissions to the RUC. To find out more about the AMA visit their website at www.ama-assn.org
To learn more about Dr. Tu "Click here" 
Progressive Radiology, a leader in the growing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIE), is pleased announce our participation in the Chesapeake Regional Information System (CRISP). CRISP provides electronic patient healthcare record sharing and allows Progressive Radiology to securely share data electronically with other healthcare providers that participate in Maryland’s statewide health information exchange (HIE). Health Information Exchanges promote patient care, by allowing health care providers to exchange clinical data in a timely, effective, and efficient manner.
Progressive Radiology is proud to participate in this vision, and supports Governor’s O’Malley’s goal to become a national leader in health information technology by 2010 by developing a safe and secure statewide HIE and promoting the adoption of electronic medical records among providers.
To learn more about CRISP visit www.crisphealth.org. To learn more about Progressive Radiology visit www.progressiveradiology.net