New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. Tours Lenox Hill Radiology (LHR) Imaging Center; Learns about the Latest in Breast Imaging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Discusses the Importance of Lung Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., who represents Senate District 15, visited RadNet, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:  RDNT) Lenox Hill Radiology imaging center located in his district at 96-10 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills.

 

State Senator Addabbo toured the facility, which offers 3D mammography, ultrasound, bone density (DEXA), x-ray, and imaging-guided breast biopsies (ultrasound and stereotactic guided procedures). The Forest Hills imaging center sees over 100 patients per day and offers both the Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection (EBCD) program that adds AI to state-of-the-art 3D mammography for improved breast cancer detection and the Enhanced Prostate Screening (EPS) program, the latest in MRI-based screening for prostate cancer.

 

While there, Dr. Senayet Agonafer, the Regional Breast Division Chief for New York South at LHR, gave a demonstration of the latest in breast imaging AI using SaigeDx from DeepHealth, RadNet’s digital health division. “SaigeDX helps me identify possible breast cancers which I might have missed without the technology,” said Dr. Agonafer. SaigeDx is the AI solution that drives EBCD.

 

State Senator Addabbo also shared his motivation for introducing Senate Bill S8553 that would require health insurers to cover supplemental or follow-up imaging, such as ultrasound, MRI, CT, and image-guided biopsy, for the diagnosis of lung cancer and do so without imposing deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-shares on patients.

 

"Access to advanced imaging and cancer screening is a fundamental right for all individuals. Programs like the Enhanced Breast Cancer Detection and Enhanced Prostate Screening play a crucial role in early detection and improving health outcomes. I am proud to introduce legislation like Senate Bill 8553 to ensure equitable access to necessary diagnostic services without financial barriers,” State Senator Addabbo said. “Let's work together to prioritize healthcare accessibility and save lives."

 

Finally, while at the Forest Hills location, State Senator Addabbo learned of the current shortage of radiologic technologists and the need to make high schoolers more aware of the career opportunity. “Technologists are highly trained and skilled professionals who play an integral role as part of the imaging care team. Radiology is a great career, pays well, and has plenty of advancement,” said Victoria Bedel, RadNet’s Senior Vice President for Northeastern Operations. She added, “I started as a technologist.”