TUSTIN, Calif., Jan. 24, 2006 - As part of the company's commitment to cardiac and vascular imaging education, Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc., together with Louisiana-based Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), have announced the new "Cardiovascular CT Basics Program." The program is designed to educate cardiologists, radiologists, vascular surgeons and administrators about the latest 64-slice CT technology, including Toshiba's AquilionTM 64 CFX system, and meets stringent American College of Cardiology and peripheral artery disease guidelines for cardiac imaging.

Course topics include regulatory requirements, space and construction issues, coding and billing requirements, appropriate utilization of the technology and a general overview of interpretation challenges. The course is also designed to allow a participant to leave with a body of knowledge that includes referral forms, exam requisitions, reporting samples, appropriate CPT codes, interesting cases, sample images and much more. The courses will feature discussion sessions with CIS cardiologists, surgeons, administrators and technical staff team members.

"As a leading cardiovascular center, it is our responsibility to bring the latest medical technology to the patients of Louisiana," said Dr. Peter Fail, cardiologist, CIS. "However, the technology is only the beginning. We must also ensure that it's being used correctly and to its fullest capabilities, and that's where we feel this program will have the largest benefit--for both our clinicians and patients."
The three-day course offers continuing medical education credit and is designed specifically for users new to the field of cardiovascular CT. Beginning in mid-February, coursework includes a 64-slice CT technology overview and content about the clinical and business aspects of owning the technology in a private practice setting. In addition, the course will cover key technology elements for clinicians, administrators and technologists, including physics, scanning, data workflow and reimbursement. Training courses will be held in Houma, Louisiana, at the corporate headquarters of CIS. "The physicians at CIS have always considered education to be a large part of our mission," says Dr. Craig Walker, founder, president and medical director of CIS. "This new technology has changed the way we practice medicine, and we feel an obligation to educate our colleagues on its many applications."

"The primary goal of this course is to provide a basic overview for clinicians that are beginning to use 64-slice technology to increase their comfort with the system," said Robb Young, senior manager, Cardiology CT at TAMS. "If clinicians understand the system's benefits and capabilities, they are more likely to use it and subsequently provide better patient care."

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