Echocardiography Program Launched in Vermont

October 14, 2010 – A new echocardiography management program has been launched with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBCVT). American Imaging Management (AIM) will partner with BCBSVT to support more consistent use of those services.

AMI has provided diagnostic imaging clinical review services for Vermont health plans since 2008.

Driven by the reported variation in the use of these services by physicians and increasing utilization, organizations such as the American College of Cardiology have developed appropriateness criteria. Along with a growing body of literature, these criteria support more consistent use of these services based on evidence-based standards.

"AIM's experience reviewing cardiac service use in 33 states shows clear and unexplainable variability in how these services are used by physicians," said Thomas Power, M.D., AIM's medical director for cardiology. "Delivering efficient and effective clinical review, based on current appropriateness criteria and literature, will reduce variability and bring practice standards closer in line with evidence-based medicine."

Power added that the emphasis on promoting evidence-based medicine offers significant benefits to physicians and patients, since it supports physicians’ efforts to deliver appropriate care and offers patients the peace of mind that they are receiving the right test at the right time.

For more information: www.americanimaging.net