No one anticipated the rapid onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the plunge in imaging demand that followed. The question on everyone’s mind is, “When will we return to ‘normal’?” Despite predictions that a drop of 50% to 70% could last 3-4 months, early indicators show volume returning in many parts of the country already.

Every four minutes someone dies of stroke; it ranks in the top five leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Rapid response can mean the difference between life and death, as well as whether a patient will live with disability due to stroke complications.  

The video below includes images from the actual CT study of a COVID-19 patient in the United States. As this disease spreads rapidly worldwide, chest CTs are emerging as a critical diagnostic tool for this infection. The likelihood is high that more radiologists will be called upon for similar studies. Please share this case with your colleagues.

Two components are essential to successfully establish, develop and sustain applied AI in radiology: Uncompromised collaboration between radiologists and computer scientists, and access to a constant flow of data that is representative of a highly diverse population. This is the foundation of vRad Radiology AI.

Many radiology practices talk about visionary AI, but there are only a few implementing AI into their workflows.

At vRad, AI is helping manage regulatory compliance and adherence to best practices to ensure quality care, which should avoid unnecessary medical expenses and mitigate malpractice risk.

Our AI models are at work today prioritizing critical cases, improving reporting accuracy and assisting billing compliance. But we’re just getting started. AI will permeate the practice and business of medical imaging to empower radiologists, conquer mountains of administrative burden and strengthen health care delivery.

More than 50,000 radiologists and industry professionals recently gathered at McCormick Place in Chicago for RSNA 2019. Among them was Shannon Werb, President and COO of vRad, a MEDNAX Radiology Solutions company. We caught up with him to get his take on the show.

Beyond theory, vRad is using practical AI to impact patient care today, while paving the way to the future of radiology.