Fusion Imaging

1. Fusion Imaging By Shelley Miller

2. What is Fusion Imaging? • Fusion imaging is when two images that contain different sets of data from the same person are combined to form one image that is more comprehensive, accurate, and stable . • Images that may be used for fusion imaging include CT “CAT” scans, and MRIs.

3. What does it do? • When the two images are combined or “fused”, a better image is produced. • This image provides very important details that may have not been available on a single image. • Examples: a white “blob” on a CT scan that was disregarded, may actually turn out to be a mass of cells that if left untreated could turn into a tumor.

4. Is it Covered by Insurance? • Currently fusion images are covered by insurance and Medicare. • Hospitals and healthcare providers are also trying to reimburse medical image facilities for the cost of images, which in turn will trickle down and cut costs for patients.

5. Patient Care • Fusion imaging has a number of advantages in regards to patient care: The most important being less radiation exposure Any exposure to radiation has the potential to cause cell damage. Fusion images detect the problem earlier, and with fewer exposures.

6. Fusion images have the potential to detect a problem earlier on which in turn paves the way for better and earlier treatment of things such as tumors. PET/CT fusion image 

7. Detection of a tumor in fewer visits also saves the patient time, and money.

8. Why is all this Important? • This amazing advance in technology will benefit oncologists and radiation therapists as well as radiologists. • By pin-pointing the exact location of a cancerous tumor, a radiation therapist can deliver high doses of cancer-killing radiation without damaging healthy tissue, and an oncologist can determine whether or not it is growing.