Butterfly iQ – A cheap handheld ultrasound tool with AI smarts inside

Re:Butterfly iQ – A cheap handheld ultrasound tool with AI s... by epmaybe on Monday October 30, 2017 @08:32PM (#15590243)

From a provider standpoint, however: If they are not technically adept at operating an ultrasound machine, and do not have the knowledge necessary to read an ultrasound, why spend $2,000? And on that note, is this device able to be billed for in order to recoup that cost? We have that problem right now with OCT-A in ophthalmology practices, where the technology exists and is FDA approved but cannot be billed for to recoup the costs of the hardware.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Butterfly iQ – A cheap handheld ultrasound tool with AI s... by russdill on Tuesday October 31, 2017 @01:08AM (#15591204)

Yup, doctors specialize. When a GP gets orders a scan, such as a CT or x-rays, it's typically another doctor that specializes in the imaging area who examines it and writes a report. I don't think many GPs would have much of a use for an ultrasound because they would prefer a specialist perform it.

A few caveats. One, telepresence. You can have the specialist basically be there with you as you operate the probe. Everything gets done in office and the patient doesn't have to travel which can be a big deal in rural communities. I find most urban GPs don't even have a second thought about sending patients off for a scan at some other office.

Following that would be very remote doctors, those that might be labeled as a GP, but basically have to have a ton of specialist knowledge because of the wide range of things they might need to do.

And of course vets, especially large animal vets. Who are already using cool devices such as head mounted displays to view the ultrasound as they generally have their arm all the all the way up an animals rear end.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Butterfly iQ – A cheap handheld ultrasound tool with AI s... by epmaybe on Tuesday October 31, 2017 @10:27AM (#15593458)

Hadn't thought about rural physicians, very good point. I come from a relatively rural community, but with a large hospital and specialist presence, so it kind of slipped my mind that there are even smaller communities that would benefit from this.

Telepresence sounds great in theory, but in practice telling anyone, even a physician with a great deal of anatomical knowledge, how to use an ultrasound probe can be frustrating at best.

Also did not know about vets using these new devices, very interesting!

[ Parent | on HN ]