“You can stay in the workflow that you’re accustomed to. We’re going to take what works, and make it better.”
Watch the general ultrasound demo to learn how to:
Team Player Winner
“She is always there for her patients. A team player and very caring person.”
“She is kind, a team player and so so so incredibly smart!”
“She’s such an amazing person, there aren’t enough ways to tell her.”
“She has the best personality, she knows exactly how to treat each and every patient with care and compassion. Truly the best!”
Roy Armand
Inspiring Leader Winner
“Even though his schedule was very busy, he would take his time to teach everything he could.”
“I will never forget his kindness and generosity.”
“He’s an exemplary leader and a mentor to so many people.”
“He taught me to be a better person. I learned how to pass on skills to my students and younger colleagues from him.”
Hayley Bartkus
Community Advocate Winner
“She is shaping the next generation of sonographers and patient care.”
“Hayley is a resolute and enthusiastic advocate for marginalized communities, patient access to equitable healthcare, and mental health for both patients and healthcare workers.”
“She embodies the true spirit of giving back, and making a lasting and positive impact on the field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.”
Congratulations to the 2023 winners!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to reshape the ultrasound technology landscape — revolutionizing patient care, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and transforming the use of ultrasound technology.
“The integration of artificial intelligence technology in ultrasound imaging is expected to make the ultrasound imaging technique smarter and improve the efficiency of the technique to accurately examine the disease. The surging demand for imaging biomarkers and quantitative imaging is significantly driving the demand for AI in ultrasound imaging.” (Precedence Research)
Current ultrasound reporting solutions drive value through greater efficiency, automation, and interoperability. These same benefits are also major catalysts of emerging AI value, which will continue to drive clinical, financial, and operational benefits for healthcare organizations.
AS Software is the workflow conduit connecting ultrasound machines, EHRs, and PACS/VNA, and we’re uniquely positioned to incorporate AI into this existing solution ecosystem deployed across our customer base — which currently manages over 10 million studies annually.
We have a long track record of prioritizing interoperability with industry-leading technology providers; many of which are now incorporating AI into their offerings. AS Software will be positioned to both interoperate with existing AI and leverage embedded AI from various partners in the market.
We’re excited to have customers and partners working with us to explore options to best meet these needs, and see many opportunities for AI to enhance research capabilities, ensure diagnostic accuracy, and further automate features to reduce documentation time.
There are many opportunities for AI to positively impact ultrasound and ultrasound workflows, and help automate reporting, image analysis, and task administration — giving time back to sonographers and physicians. Some of the near-term opportunities include:
Enhancing Clinical Research Tools
Today, researchers are limited to searching text data contained in historical reports. Adding a search dimension that includes information contained in the associated historical studies and images opens many new and interesting possibilities for exploration.
Maintaining Certifications
The ability to search DICOM images by their contents can enable the creation of new features that aid in preparing submissions to maintain AIUM certifications.
Capturing Charges
By comparing the contents of images captured in a study to the procedures within an order, AI can ensure that procedures listed within an ultrasound report for billing purposes reflect the work completed. This allows organizations to capture additional charges that would otherwise be missed without AI assistance.
Detecting image contents can be used to improve the efficiency of individuals performing quality assurance and quality control functions.
As demand for ultrasound technology innovation grows, it’s exciting to see emerging niche AI vendors like BIOTICSai and BrightHeart, and established partners like Microsoft Azure, leveraging AI to accelerate innovation throughout the industry.
There are three paths for companies like AS Software to consider when adding AI into existing solutions:
While native AI development isn’t our current focus, we are actively exploring embedded and acquisition opportunities.
With an established history of embedding and complimenting electronic health records (EHR), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and other ultrasound and healthcare technology, AS Software is well-positioned to connect and incorporate AI tools within streamlined ultrasound workflows.
If you have any questions about the future of AI at AS Software or are interested in partnering with us to explore new ways AI can reshape ultrasound reporting, please contact us.
David Lintz is the CEO of AS Software and brings over 25 years of healthcare and technology leadership to the organization. His commitment to building strategies centered on providing value to customers, along with his visionary approach to innovation, is instrumental in propelling AS Software to offer transformative ultrasound reporting, automation, and image management solutions. Under David’s leadership, AS Software continues to expand and enhance its capabilities to better serve the healthcare market, driving efficiency for providers nationwide.
October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for the role of diagnostic sonography in healthcare and help inform and educate on the growing usage and importance of ultrasound as a vital medical tool.
“MUAM is a joint effort of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), and Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU).” (ARDMS)
We’ve gathered some resources and content to help celebrate MUAM and the sonographers who are vital to the world of ultrasound.
Industry Resources, Information, and Ways to Celebrate MUAM
There are so many amazing social pictures, infographics, and social content to share from the links above. Make sure to tag us on LinkedIn and Instagram so we can like and share your posts!
More Resources for Sonographers
MUAM provides an opportunity to celebrate ultrasound technology and professionals, and the extraordinary impact they make on modern medicine. Their roles are physically and mentally demanding, working through extended hours and tight timelines. So let’s each make sure to give ultrasound professionals a big THANK YOU for everything they do!
“Ultrasound has expanded medical imaging well beyond the “traditional” radiology setting – a combination of portability, low cost and ease of use makes ultrasound imaging an indispensable tool for radiologists as well as for other medical professionals who need to obtain imaging diagnosis or guide a therapeutic intervention quickly and efficiently.” (Klibanov, Alexander L. PhD; Hossack, John A. PhD).
As ultrasound usage continues to grow, utilizing reporting software for general ultrasound offers many advantages that streamline and enhance workflows for radiologists and sonographers. Here are some of the advantages of implementing a structured ultrasound reporting system with AS Software’s advanced integration capabilities.
Electronic Reporting: No More Paper Worksheets
Traditional general ultrasound workflows often require sonographers to manually record ultrasound information and measurements on paper worksheets. Then the radiologist must dictate the entire report, including the measurements. This manual data entry can be time-consuming, lack standardization, and increase the risk of errors.Â
With reporting software for general ultrasound, this process is replaced with electronic reporting and digital worksheets. Sonographers can automatically input their findings into the system, eliminating the need for paper worksheets altogether.
By seamlessly transferring data and automating report creation, integrated ultrasound reporting software allows sonographers to create reports faster. It also allows radiologists to focus more on their clinical assessments, without disrupting their workflows or requiring them to navigate multiple systems.
For example, a well-designed ultrasound reporting system can create clinical protocols tailored to specific findings. If a sonographer identifies a particular anomaly, the system can automatically generate impressions and recommendations for follow-up procedures. This level of automation not only saves time but also ensures consistency in reporting, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers.
Modern ultrasound reporting systems can integrate seamlessly with existing tools and technology for a closed-loop workflow.
For example, AS Software integrates with speech recognition tools, e.g. PowerScribe, Dragon, etc., allowing radiologists to dictate their findings directly into a predefined format, ultimately saving time and improving the efficiency of the reporting process.
Reports generated by the ultrasound reporting system also integrate with the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) and are sent back to the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, ensuring that patient data is readily available for reference and review, and creating effective charge capture.
Unlike traditional setups that require users to be physically present at specific workstations, web-based systems like AS Software allow for greater flexibility. Sonographers and radiologists can access the system from any computer with internet connectivity.
Whether it’s inputting data, reviewing reports, or dictating findings, users can efficiently and remotely complete work to save time and increase flexibility and efficiency by leveraging reporting software for general ultrasound workflows.
Embracing ultrasound reporting for general ultrasound workflows is more than just a technological upgrade — it’s a strategic move that can enhance patient care, reduce errors, and ensure that healthcare professionals can make informed decisions with ease.
With AS Software’s ultrasound reporting software, general ultrasound workflows are becoming more seamless, automated, and efficient than ever before.  To learn more about the advantages of ultrasound reporting software, schedule a demo.
Derek DellaVecchia, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSR
Derek has experience in both shared services and hospital settings. He received Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) board registries in abdomen, vascular, OB/GYN, and adult echocardiography specialties and was able to work in departmental head positions in his career. He currently serves on the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Continuing Medical Education (CME) board review committee and is a Senior Account Executive at AS Software.
From small practices to large health systems, optimizing reimbursements through accurate clinical documentation is essential for financial health, sustainability, and growth. It also plays a critical role in maintaining compliance with regulations and providing high-quality patient care.
Learn how to optimize reimbursements from your exams and ensure the financial health and sustainability of your organization by evaluating these four key areas related to ultrasound documentation.Â
Accurate and comprehensive documentation of ultrasound procedures is essential for optimizing your billing practices. By ensuring precise documentation, you minimize the risk of claim denials and audits. Â
It’s crucial each ultrasound report clearly describes and outlines the type of examination, findings, measurements, interpretations, and any associated diagnoses. Inadequate or ambiguous documentation can result in coding errors, claim denials, and delays in reimbursement, impacting the overall financial health of your organization. Â
Accurate documentation also lays the foundation for effective charge capture by ensuring that all the services performed during the ultrasound procedure are clearly recorded. Â
Effective charge capture involves accurately recording and reconciling all billable ultrasound services and includes not only the main ultrasound procedure, but also additional services that were completed during the examination. Â
Failing to capture charges appropriately can result in lost revenue, billing errors, claim denials, and compliance issues. To ensure effective charge capture, healthcare organizations should implement processes, technologies, and quality assurance measures to minimize errors. Â
Timely and accurate charge capture will maximize efficiency by ensuring that all billable services are properly recorded and billed. Additionally, streamlined workflows and reduced administrative burden will free up resources to focus on other priorities. Â
3. Compliance of Coding and Billing Â
Ensure compliance with coding guidelines and regulations. Â
Proper coding and billing practices prevent underbilling and overbilling, which could lead to significant losses, legal issues, and penalties. Compliance with coding guidelines is also crucial for maintaining trust with patients and payers. Â
Ultrasound procedures have specific Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes that must be assigned correctly based on the documentation. Compliance with relevant coding and billing rules, such as National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and local coverage determinations (LCDs), helps prevent claim denials and audits. 
Properly coded and billed claims also provide reliable data for financial analysis. This data is invaluable in identifying revenue trends, potential areas for improvement, and strategic decision-making opportunities to enhance your organization’s financial performance. 
 
4. Ongoing Staff Education and Training Â
Providing ongoing training and education to staff is crucial for maintaining a well-informed and efficient department. They should be familiar with coding and billing guidelines, documentation requirements, insurance policies, and any updates or changes in regulations.  Â
Also ensure that staff have access to reliable support and receive thorough onboarding and training for the technology you leverage. Properly trained staff are more likely to accurately capture charges, reduce errors, and contribute to departmental efficiency within a more financially efficient department. Â
By addressing these areas and implementing technology to help automate coding and correct errors, ultrasound departments can enhance their processes to optimize reimbursements, ensure financial sustainability, and improve patient care.
Maintaining sonographer wellness is critical to clinician well being. In a discussion with sonography experts Marybeth Tomory (check out her popular Instagram and Tik Tok) and Nasrin Benion (learn more about Nasrin), AS Software explores the career challenges sonographers face. We outline many effective strategies to help advocate for sonographer well-being and create healthier work environments.
Here are seven of the key insights we shared in the Sonographer Wellness Forum:
Early identification of mental and physical burnout signs from sonographers is crucial. These can include prolonged scan times, signs of physical pain such as rubbing a shoulder, missed workdays, and general signs of discomfort and reduced well-being. Being vigilant and paying attention to these signs can help you promptly address issues and prevent them from worsening.
Prioritizing self-care is vital for sonographers. A few examples you can implement to alleviate physical strain and enhance mental wellness include:
Sonographers should feel empowered to voice their concerns regarding staffing or equipment needs. Providing data-driven insights, like scan volume and the length of exams, is crucial when requesting resources.
Developing templates based on these scan types and staggering complex and time-consuming scans can also help sonographers manage their patient load more effectively and prevent overexertion.
Leadership, whether clinical or administrative, plays a pivotal role in promoting sonographer wellness. A receptive approach to staff concerns and an open mindset to suggestions fosters an environment where well-being can thrive and help lead to better patient care.
Sonographers should also bring helpful, action-oriented solutions to leadership and remember to document their needs over time.
A supportive culture involves all stakeholders, regardless of their roles. Acknowledging the challenges faced by sonographers and actively working to alleviate them together with peers and leaders creates a collaborative environment that promotes well-being and quality patient care.
Proactively preventing burnout and nurturing sonographer wellness requires utilizing ergonomic techniques, advocating for improved conditions, and engaging in discussions about scheduling and workload. These strategies collectively contribute to a healthier and more sustainable work environment.
Maintaining sonographer wellness is crucial for both practitioners and the patients they serve. Identifying burnout, practicing self-care, advocating for improvements, and fostering supportive leadership are all essential steps toward achieving and promoting well-being.
> Learn about sonographer wellness in the Wellness Hub
At AS, we have a passion for sonographer wellness. Stay tuned for more exciting news, events, and product innovations designed to support sonographers and their teammates throughout imaging workflows, and learn more by getting a demo.
Watch the Sonographers’ Wellness Forum to learn how you can help advocate for healthy work environments + prevent and alleviate physical and mental pain.
In the forum, our panelists discuss and share:
Nasrin Benion
MBA, RDMS
Marybeth Tomory
BS, RDMS — AB, OBGYN, FE
Jeanne Sotille
AAS, RDMS, RVT
