Exhibitor Symposiums

AHRA is pleased to partner with the leading companies in the imaging industry to bring you educational sessions that cover the most up-to-the-minute industry topics and issues. The following symposiums are offered at no additional charge to attendees and all offer ARRT Category A CE credits.

Several AHRA and AHRA Education Foundation partners host and present a symposium during the Annual Meeting. Because these companies’ support is essential to providing education to members, the AHRA is asking all attendees to attend as many of the exhibitor educational symposiums as possible to show appreciation. Attend 4 or more and be entered to win a free 2020 Annual Meeting registration. Simply have your badge scanned and you will be automatically entered in the drawing.

Sunday, July 21

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Siemens Healthineers Exhibitor Symposium - Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Advanced Imaging & Precision Medicine
Wesley Gilson and Peter Shen

Artificial intelligence is already starting to fundamentally transform diagnostic imaging. Although intelligent algorithms have been used for some time in segments of the imaging field, new methods of machine learning, based particularly on more complex “deep learning”, are much more powerful. They offer concrete prospects for quantitative, standardized imaging and reporting that is, at the same time, personalized. AI algorithms are expected to help speed up clinical workflows, prevent diagnostic errors and reduce missed billing opportunities, thus enabling sustained productivity increases. Above all, methods of artificial intelligence could lead to more precise results and more meaningful prognostic risk scores and integrate diagnostic radiology even more into outcome-oriented clinical decision-making.

You will learn:
• Understand the impact of Artificial Intelligence in imaging
• Recognize the transition of imaging to a data-driven research discipline
• See the evolution toward personalized precision medicine due to AI

Domain: FM, OM
Generously sponsored by 

Monday, July 22

7:45 AM – 8:45 AM
Enhancing Patient Safety and Optimizing Efficiency in CT, MRI and Cath Labs: Integrating the Use of Contrast Media Dispensed in Prefilled Syringes
Douglas Boyd, RT (R) (MR)

Every day, radiology departments balance the often competing interests of efficiency, cost and patient safety. When a single medical technology product delivers improvements in each of these areas, the adoption of its use can be transformative. Prefilled contrast media syringes are such a product, and the benefits in efficiency, cost savings, and patient safety associated with their use is highlighted by a number of recent studies. Join Douglas S. Boyd R.T.(R)(MR), MRI Supervisor and PET/MRI Supervisor for the nation’s largest VA Hospital, for an engaging and practical session that will provide a comprehensive examination of the use of prefilled contrast media.

You will learn:
• Discuss the potential infection risks involved with the use of contrast dispensed from multi-dose and bulk-pack containers
• Review recommendations from SIPC, CMS, CDC, and the Joint Commission regarding injection safety
• Describe how contrast media dispensed in prefilled syringes can improve patient safety
• Identify ways in which contrast media dispensed in prefilled syringes can optimize workflow and throughput in radiology departments and cath labs
 
Domain: HR, OM
 
Generously sponsored by 

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
A New Perspective on Risk Management in MR Contrast
Nick Argy MD, JD - Consultant, Bracco
John Karis, MD - Director of Neuroradiology, The Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix AZ

Risk management in radiology is essential in protecting the entire continuum of care—from patients and radiologists to the entire medical organization. Learn about the reduction of risk in the MR suite in the era of gadolinium retention from a leading expert in public health, risk management, process improvement, patient safety, and medical errors. Then hear the experience of a leading neurological institute that switched their gadolinium based contrast agent to the macrocyclic ProHance (gadoteridol).

You will learn:
• Review recent developments and discuss perspectives for the safe use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs)
• Discuss approaches to minimize the risk of gadolinium retention in the MR suite
• Consider the impact of changing GBCAs on patients, healthcare professionals, and MR suite workflow
• Compare safety profiles of the different GBCAs, with a focus on immediate adverse events
 
Domain: OM
Generously sponsored by 

Tuesday, July 23

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
2019 Imaging Market Outlook
Stuart Clark, BA – Managing Director and National Spokesperson, The Advisory Board

Imaging providers in 2019 will face a rising tide of cost control, payer steerage, regulatory changes, and patient consumerism. This presentation will equip imaging leaders with strategic insights into key trends and provide guidance on how to respond. Come join Hitachi Healthcare Americas symposium on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to gain important insight.

You will learn:
• Understand major policy and regulatory updates that will impact imaging in 2019 and 2020
• Generate demand for imaging services by care setting and modality
• Explore radiology's adoption of artificial intelligence

Domains: FM, OM, and CI
Generously sponsored by 

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
How Uniformity in CT Practice Helps Patients, and How Outsourcing CT Protocol Management Will Save You Money
Myron A. Pozniak, MD – Emeritus Professor of Radiology, UW Hospital
Tim Szczykutowicz, Ph.D – Associate Professor Departments of Radiology, Medical Physics and BME, UW
Gina Greenwood, MBA, R.T.(R)(MR), CRA, FAHRA, MBA, R.T.(R)(MR), CRA, FAHRA – Director, Radiology Services, UW Health

A radiologist will present on the clinical importance of prior image comparisons in radiology. Many disease process require continuous monitoring and staging, which all rely on comparisons being made to imaging studies performed at other points in time and often at other imaging centers. We will make the clinical case for how uniformity and harmonization in these comparisons is essential for patient care. A physicist will discuss the multitude of parameters and technologist practices that affect image quality in CT. This discussion will motivate the presentation of the UW CT Protocol efforts as a model for how a CT protocol management team can function. We will provide examples of our protocols that are relevant for procedures commonly performed in hospital and outpatient settings. Along with the protocols, we will also present on facets of CT practice focused on compliance support (i.e. Joint Commission and ACR guidelines). Lastly, a director of radiology will present on the financial implications of outsourcing CT protocol management versus in house development.

You will learn:
• Come away being able to describe the challenges a radiologists faces in a practice where there is a lack of uniformity/harmonization in CT protocols.
• Learn how protocol management teams function and who comprises their membership.
• Understand how a lack of uniformity and harmonization affects patient care.
• Understand how much it costs to comply with ACR and TJC requirements for protocol management.
Domains: OM, CI, AM

Generously sponsored by 

Wednesday, July 24

7:15 AM – 8:15 AM
Developments in Whole Spine Imaging: Technology Advances for Inside and Outside of the Operating Room
Gregg R. Cretella – National Manager, Clinical Operations, Fujifilm Medical Systems, U.S.A.

With the recent transition from Computed Radiography (CR) to Digital Radiography (DR), many facilities are seeking DR alternatives for long-length imaging. Given the acquisition and display speed, lower-dose, and higher image quality, surgeons are now looking to digital radiography for pre-, intra- and post-operative imaging. This session will update the audience on recent advances in whole spine detector technology, image processing algorithms, and workflow facilitators that are designed to improve patient comfort, reduce patient dose and to help drive clinical, operational and financial outcomes.

You will learn:
• Compare the benefits of various imaging technologies that are available for scoliosis and long leg imaging.
• Translate recent technology advances in long-length digital radiography to improvements in patient comfort, safety and imaging outcomes.
• List the advantages that long-length digital radiography brings to the operating room.
• Make sound decisions when considering the acquisition of new technologies that are designed for use in long-length imaging
Domains: AM, OM

Generously sponsored by 

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
Utilizing Technology in a Modern Healthcare Facility – Emerging Trends
Michael Perez De Utrera, BHSA, R.T. (R) (CT) (MR) – Diagnostic Imaging Manager, Leon Medical Centers

A conversation with Michael Perez De Utrera, Diagnostic Imaging Manager at Leon Medical Centers. This session will focus on innovation trends to watch within the modern diagnostic imaging suite. Learn how Radiology Administrators can utilize technology to keep up with the times, maximize facility efficiencies, and provide exceptional patient care.

You will learn:
• Introduction to Leon Medical Centers and its unique business model – Learn what sets them apart from the competition in South Florida (and beyond).
• Understand how a Modern Healthcare Enterprise views the rapid pace of innovation emerging today, and the tools they use to stay more efficient.
• Discuss the importance of “Smart Devices”, and how to leverage the data and analytics to make a positive impact on patient care and business decisions.

Domain: OM, FM
Generously sponsored by