AIM releases new educational podcasts on its patient safety website section

American Imaging Management, Inc. (AIM), a leading diagnostic imaging benefit management and technology company with health plan clients representing more than 35 million consumers and an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc. (  WLP), announced the release of new educational podcasts on the company's patient safety section of its Web site at www.americanimaging.net/safety.  

Narrated by Dr. Thomas Power, MD, FACC, MRCPI, AIM's medical director for Cardiology, the latest set of podcasts discuss radiation exposure associated with cardiac imaging procedures including Cardiac Computerized Tomography (Cardiac CT).  

"It would be difficult to understate the positive impact that imaging has had on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions," said Dr. Power.  "However, it is important that physicians and patients have a full understanding of both the benefits and the radiation exposure associated with these studies in order to make informed and clinically appropriate decisions."

Podcasts are the latest component of AIM's Patient Safety Program. Launched in 2008, this program promotes more informed decision-making by physicians and patients by providing relevant information regarding the radiation exposure associated with diagnostic imaging procedures. AIM's program includes the "Ask AIMEE" web application, which provides information on radiation exposure associated with commonly used advanced imaging tests, and physician messaging when imaging orders are submitted for patients that have already been exposed to significant levels of radiation from previous imaging studies.

"Given the latest research that is emerging regarding the detrimental impact of excess radiation from imaging—a recent study estimated that as many as 15,000 deaths a year could be caused by radiation from imaging—it is more important than ever that all health care providers promote the most effective and appropriate use of these studies," said David J. Soffa, MD, MPA, FACR, AIM's senior vice president, Medical Affairs.