Ep. 230 The Physician's MBA - Is It Worth It, and Where to Start with Dr. Aneesa Majid and Dr. Roger Tomihama

Bringing Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) to the OBL setting means balancing cost efficiency, quality care, and a high procedure volume. What should you know and how can you get started? This week, host Dr. Ally Baheti explores outpatient PAE with Dr. Stephen “Andy” Vartanian, an independent interventional radiologist and medical director of PrecisionIR.---SYNPOSISThe doctors discuss Dr. Vartanian’s unique career path and extensive experience with prostate artery embolization (PAE). They discuss his approach to the procedure, best practices, and how he was able to set himself up for success in the transition to an OBL. Dr. Vartanian shares insights into patient workup, collaboration with urologists, and his perspective on the financial and operational challenges of managing an independent practice. The doctors then touch on other outpatient procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and genicular artery embolization (GAE) and the difficulties in patient acquisition for these treatments. This episode offers a unique look into factors to consider when optimizing your practice patterns for PAE in an OBL setting.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction05:38 - OBL Setting and PAE10:02 - Approach to PAE, Techniques, and Tools21:38 - Post-Procedure Care and Managing Patient Expectations25:32 - Advice to IRs Interested in PAE27:37 - Challenges and Strategies in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)33:14 - Running an OBL: Insights and Experiences36:40 - Future Plans and Business Reflections---RESOURCESPrecisionIR: https://myprecisionir.com/

20 Touko 202540min

How is reimbursement decided? Have an inside look from the committee itself as we unpack exactly how a new CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code is created, assessed, and ultimately valued for physician Medicare reimbursement. In this episode of BackTable, Dr. Sabeen Dhand is joined by radiation oncologist Dr. Amar Rewari and interventional radiologist Dr. Curtis Anderson, both of whom sit on the RVS Update Committee (RUC).---SYNPOSISThe conversation covers who participates in the RUC, the preparation it takes to propose a new CPT code, and what it’s like to collaborate with physicians from all specialties. They discuss the confidential yet crucial role of the RUC in determining physician work and practice expenses, advocacy efforts, and the impact of healthcare policies on reimbursement. The doctors stress the importance of physician engagement—especially through member surveys—and share how providers can get involved. The guests also touch on their personal journeys and motivations within the RUC and introduce Dr. Rewari’s podcast, ‘Value Health Voices’, which focuses on healthcare policy and economics.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction and Importance of Surveys01:18 - Understanding the RVS Update Committee (RUC)6:36 - How Does a New CPT Code Get Introduced?09:44 - Challenges and Dynamics within the RUC20:52 - Health Value Voices Podcast22:51 - Transparency in Healthcare Policy24:39 - Future of Healthcare Payments29:00 - Getting Involved in Healthcare Policy33:43- Final Thoughts and Call to Action---RESOURCESHealth Value Voices Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cxnf4Il3QK3cvFFKxwPWL?si=212d084a09034cf2

16 Touko 202536min

Is minimally invasive ablation the future of metastatic cancer care? We now have the results of the COLLISION Trial, which investigates the non-inferiority of thermal ablation compared to surgical resection. How will these findings change treatment paradigms and practice patterns around metastatic colorectal cancer? In this week’s episode of BackTable, interventional radiologist Dr. Chris Beck discusses the impact and implications of the COLLISION Trial with principal investigator Dr. Martijn Meijerink from Amsterdam UMC.---SYNPOSISThe doctors explore the COLLISION Trial’s design, results, complication rates, and future directions. They also cover best practices for ablation techniques and the potential for interventional oncology to enter a “golden era.” Finally, Dr. Meijerink highlights the importance of standardizing intervention quality and being present in tumor boards to ensure optimal patient care.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 03:21 - Understanding Metastatic Colorectal Cancer and IR’s Role05:18 - Introduction to the COLLISION Trial07:40 - Radiofrequency vs Microwave Ablation and Technological Advancements09:02 - Trial Design and Patient Eligibility16:20 - Ablation Techniques and Approaches22:05 - Trial Results and Analysis30:19 - Impact on Guidelines and Practice39:44 - Best Practices in Thermal Ablation43:27 - Future Directions in Interventional Oncology---RESOURCES“Surgery versus thermal ablation for small-size colorectal liver metastases (COLLISION): An international, multicenter, phase III randomized controlled trial.” (Meijerink, 2024)https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.17_suppl.LBA3501

13 Touko 202547min

As graduating residents step into the IR job market, the big question remains: What truly makes a great first job? Dr. Subhash Gutti hosts guest Dr. Kavi Devulapalli (Image Guided Solutions of Missouri) and Dr. Christopher Zarour (Huron Valley Radiology in Ann Arbor) as they share early career advice and job search strategies.---This podcast is supported by:RADPAD® Radiation Protectionhttps://www.radpad.com/---SYNPOSISThe doctors begin by highlighting different practice models and emphasize the significance of knowing what type of IR you are - an imager, a surgeon, or dynamic blend of both. They share their personal experiences navigating their early careers and underscore the pivotal role of establishing a robust clinical practice and taking full ownership of the patient. They also explore strategies for practice growth, including availability and network referrals. The episode ends with valuable advice on navigating the early stages of one's career, drawn from personal experiences.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction01:16 - Early Career Advice and Job Search04:50 - Exploring the Job Market09:46 - What Makes a Good First Job?14:33 - Challenges in the First Job28:27 - Strategies for Building a Clinical Practice36:56 - Understanding the Business Side of Medicine48:49 - Final Advice for New Graduates

9 Touko 202558min

To TIPS or not to TIPS? More than ever, younger patients are presenting with acute portal vein thrombosis (PVT) that requires intervention beyond anticoagulation alone. These patients need safe, effective options that offer long-term resolution and a good quality of life after treatment. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Benjamin May, Interventional Radiologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, discusses the evolving treatment landscape for acute PVT.---SYNPOSISDr. May shares insights into the changing interventional approaches, highlights the utility of tools such as suction thrombectomy devices, and explains how his best practices have developed over time. He emphasizes the continued importance of anticoagulation therapy, explores the potential complications and outcomes of various interventions, and discusses how thrombus location and characteristics influence his clinical decisions. With real-world scenarios and a step-by-step walkthrough of his decision-making process, Dr. May offers a comprehensive look at modern strategies for managing acute portal vein thrombosis.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 05:46 - Diagnosing Portal Vein Thrombosis10:52 - Management Options for Acute PVT and What is Safest?21:09 - Choosing an Intervention Approach26:19 - Tackling Large Bore Thrombectomy32:37 - Learnings and Tips for Successful Thrombectomy39:50 - Impact of Thrombus Location on Intervention Approach 45:01 - Post-Care and Follow-Up49:46 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement---RESOURCES“Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and Thrombectomy (TIPS-Thrombectomy) for Symptomatic Acute Noncirrhotic Portal Vein Thrombosis” (Shalvoy, 2023)https://www.jvir.org/article/S1051-0443(23)00341-X/abstract

6 Touko 202552min

En este episodio de BackTable, la radióloga intervencionista Dra. Sara Lojo Lendoiro y la Dra. Gloria Salazar discuten los desafíos y las barreras para diagnosticar y tratar el dolor pélvico crónico y las varices pélvicas en mujeres.---SYNPOSISPrimero, abordan la ausencia de diagnóstico y el estereotipo que estigmatiza a las mujeres con problemas psiquiátricos. Dra. Salazar comparte su trayectoria personal desde Brasil hasta su posición de profesora asociada de radiología en la University of North Carolina, y su trabajo centrado en mejorar la salud de la mujer. También se habla sobre la necesidad de colaboración multidisciplinar, la investigación futura para entender mejor la fisiopatología, y cómo la educación y una mayor conciencia pueden mejorar el diagnóstico y tratamiento de estas patologías. Además, destacan la importancia de considerar el impacto económico y social de no tratar adecuadamente estas condiciones en mujeres activas y trabajadoras.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Presentación de la Dra. Gloria Salazar 06:25 - Desafíos en el Diagnóstico de la Salud de la Mujer 08:08 - Comprendiendo las Varices Pélvicas y el Dolor Pélvico Crónico 22:23 - Técnicas de Diagnóstico y Desafíos 36:19 - Evaluación del Dolor Pélvico y los Síntomas en las Piernas 41:46 - Variaciones Anatómicas y Técnicas de Diagnóstico 50:40 - La Importancia de los Equipos Multidisciplinarios 58:59 - Direcciones Futuras en la Investigación de las Venas Pélvicas 01:09:50 - Reflexiones Finales y Colaboraciones Futuras

3 Touko 20251h 12min

Is it time for interventional radiology to sever ties with diagnostic radiology and define its own future? Dr. Ally Baheti hosts Dr. Mark Lessne, interventional radiologist at Charlotte Radiology and Dr. Saher Sabri, Chief of Interventional Radiology at MedStar Health, to discuss the evolving relationship between interventional radiology (IR) and diagnostic radiology (DR). --- SYNPOSISThe doctors begin the discussion by asking a critical question: 'What defines an interventional radiologist?' They delve into the different practice patterns of IRs, exploring both the opportunities and challenges in interventional radiology forging its own path, independent of diagnostic radiology. The doctors share their thoughts on the financial implications, sustainability of the specialty, and the importance of establishing a clinical and longitudinal practice. The discussion concludes with the notion that an organic separation is likely inevitable, although the timing remains uncertain. --- TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction03:45 - Challenges in IR Practice12:23 - Financial Models and Sustainability16:13 - The Role of SIR in Supporting IRs34:29 - Defining IR Standards35:28 - SIR’s Role38:29 - Future of IR and DR58:36 - Final Thoughts and Call to Action

2 Touko 20251h 3min

There are now multiple phase 3 studies on combination transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and immunotherapy showing a significant benefit over TACE alone. How do these findings change the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment algorithm? In this multidisciplinary episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Richard Finn (Medical Oncologist at UCLA) and Dr. Julius Chapiro (Interventional Radiologist at Yale University) join host Dr. Chris Beck to discuss immunotherapy, TACE, emerging trends in HCC treatment, and the future of the field.---This podcast is supported by an educational grant from Guerbet.---SYNPOSISThe doctors highlight the importance of high quality clinical data and the pivotal studies shaping current best practices. They explore the role of the different players on the multidisciplinary team and compare the oncologic and radiologic perspectives. Additionally, they discuss the synergy between TACE and immunotherapy, the criteria for selecting appropriate treatments, and the ongoing need for research and collaboration.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction 03:35 - HCC from an Oncologic Perspective 05:33 - Radiological Perspective on Liver Cancer06:50 - Referral Patterns and Organizing a Multidisciplinary Approach18:01 - Explaining TACE and Variations in the Procedure27:27 - Choosing the Right Procedure for HCC36:13 - Making a Decision on Medical Treatment Candidacy 42:23 - Importance of Data Driven HCC Treatment, Practical Insights, and Studies to Know55:30 - Planning an Approach for a TACE Procedure01:02:26 - Final Thoughts and Future Prospects in Liver Cancer Treatment---RESOURCESBarcelona Staging System:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK569796/table/Ch3-t0001/TRACE Trial:https://pubs.rsna.org/doi/full/10.1148/radiol.211806PREMIERE Trial:https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(16)34971-X/fulltextEMERALD-1 Trial:https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.LBA432LEAP O12 Study:https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)02575-3/abstract

29 Huhti 20251h 7min