In This Issue

Radiation Safety

Updated Reimbursement

BrachyBytes Editorial Advisory Board

Robert Kuske, M.D.
Coral Quiet, M.D
Jay Reiff, Ph.D.
Dan Scanderbeg, Ph.D.
John Sweet, M.S.

Catheryn Yashar, M.D.

Vic Zannis, M.D.

Upcoming Events

Miami Breast Cancer Conference
March 3-6, 2010
Miami

NCBC
March 20-24, 2010
Last Vegas

Radiation Safety

A number of professional organizations issued statements in response to the NY Times article.

They expressed sympathy for those who suffered as a result of radiation errors while issuing a reminder of the overall safety and efficacy of radiation therapy.

Read statements from:

American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)

American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

Follow-up Links

Past Issues
The Breast Clinic of Memphis
MBCC
NCBC

February 2010

To MRI or Not to MRI?
Part 2

Last month, breast surgeon Julie Barone, D.O. explained why she would never recommend APBI without a preoperative breast MRI.

This month, breast surgical oncologist Michael Berry, M.D., F.A.C.S. of The Breast Clinic of Memphis takes the opposing view. Among other facts, he cites MRI's tendency to overestimate the extent of disease without increasing survival rates as one reason it is a "useful but overutilized" modality. Full Story

What percentage of your breast cancer patients do you send for a preop MRI? Email jlandon@ciannamedical to share your views on this controversial topic.

Cianna Medical Focuses on Radiation Safety

The New York Times' January 23, 2010 article, The Radi ation Boom: Radiation Offers New Cures, Ways to Do Harm, caused quite a stir among healthcare professionals and consumers alike.

In response, ASTRO issued a six-point plan to improve the safety and quality of radiation therapy. The plan stresses the need for robust quality assurance and extensive training for personnel. Read ASTRO's Six-Point Patient Protection Plan

Cianna Medical is committed to ensuring safe and effective radiation therapy with the SAVI applicator. When you choose to offer SAVI, every member of your clinical team - including physicians, physicists and clinical staff - receives extensive training in radiation treatment planning and delivery with the device.

In addition to on-site training and support, we offer a number of web-based seminars featuring techniques and considerations for surgeons, radiation oncologists and physicists delivering brachytherapy with SAVI. Access these seminars at our Physician Education Programs page, or contact your account manager for more information on Cianna Medical's comprehensive training program.

Updated: SAVI Reimbursement Guide

New year, new reimbursement. Get your copy of the 2010 Coding & Coverage Guide for the SAVI Applicator now.

Our partners at The Pinnacle Health Group are available to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding billing and reimbursement with SAVI.

Email cianna@thepinnaclehealthgroup.com or call (866) 369-9290 for assistance.