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Biomedical subjects

Robert Falk

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Falk.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Differential fly-throughs (DFT): a general framework for computing flight paths.

In this paper, we propose a new variational framework based on distance transform and gradient vector flow, to compute flight paths through tubular and non-tubular structures, for virtual endoscopy. The proposed framework propagates two wave fronts of different speeds from a point source voxel, which belongs to the medial curves of the anatomical structure. The first wave traverses the 3D structure with a moderate speed that is a function of the distance field to extract its topology, while the second wave propagates with a higher speed that is a function of the magnitude of the gradient vector flow to extract the flight paths. The motion of the fronts are governed by a nonlinear partial equation, whose solution is computed efficiently using the higher accuracy fast marching level set method (HAFMM). The framework is robust, fully automatic, and computes flight paths that are centered, connected, thin, and less sensitive to boundary noise. We have validated the robustness of the proposed method both quantitatively and qualitatively against synthetic and clinical datasets.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

3D volume segmentation of MRA data sets using level sets: image processing and display.

In this article, we use a level set-based segmentation algorithm to extract the vascular tree from magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) data sets. The classification approach depends on initializing the level sets in the 3D volume, and the level sets evolve with time to yield the blood vessels. This work introduces a high-quality initialization for the level set functions, allowing extraction of the blood vessels in 3D and elimination of non-vessel tissues. A comparison between the 2D and 3D segmentation approaches is made. The results are validated using a phantom that simulates the MRA data and show good accuracy.

Algorithms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Health care privacy: exceptions to the rule preparing for the brave new world, Part III.

As physicians prepare for implementation of HIPAA, there will be times when they are asked to and may be required to release individual health information without patient consent and authorization. This third article in a four-part series highlights the situations in which a doctor may release health information without a patient's knowledge.

Access to Information↗
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Preparing for the brave new world, Part 4: "Minimum necessary" disclosures under HIPAA.

"Minimum information given with maximum politeness," Jacqueline Kennedy once directed a White House press secretary. Decades later, a pending federal health-privacy rule says nothing about courtesy but does explicitly require a "minimum necessary" standard for most disclosures of personally identifiable information. Physician practices that understand these two key words will have a head start in complying with the privacy regulations, which were published in December 2000 under authority of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This article, the final installment of a four-part series on how the HIPAA privacy rule will affect the day-to-day lives of physicians and their staffs, focuses on what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) means by "minimum necessary."

Confidentiality↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stark II final regulations: hot issues for physician practices.

The Stark law, first passed in 1989 and repeatedly expanded and clarified since then, has long created questions for group practices. Its primary intent is to prohibit physician referrals to entities in which the physician has a financial interest, but the details have proven confusing. The Stark law's Phase II regulations, as put forth by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, went into effect in July and attempt to offer further clarification. In this article the authors explain some of the complexities of this most recent set of Stark law regulations, especially as they apply to smaller, multi-specialty practices.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Physicians heal thy laws: ten steps to becoming an effective citizen lobbyist.

By bringing information on medical issues to the attention of their representatives at the national and local levels, physicians can play an important role in molding policies that will affect their patients and their modes of practice. This article outlines the specific steps by which practitioners may engage law makers and their staffers to express their viewpoints and impact the legislative process.

District of Columbia↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The new Medicare prescription drug benefit: important issues for physician practices.

Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare beneficiaries will have the option of enrolling in a new Medicare program covering prescription drugs. This article summarizes the new benefit, suggests the factors beneficiaries and their physicians might consider when selecting a prescription drug plan, and outlines practice implications for physician offices.

Aged↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Whistleblowers: there ain't no cure, but there is prevention.

Under federal and an increasing number of state laws, disgruntled and former employees are given significant financial incentives to report fraud to federal and state regulators. This article addresses strategies for reducing the likelihood that your practice will be the target of a whistleblower suit.

Delivery of Health Care↗