Transformative technology: a conversation with E. James Potchen and Bill Clarke. Interview by John K. Inglehart.

In this interview, a representative of academe (E. James Potchen) and one from industry (Bill Clarke) discuss the ways in which their interests intersect for the good of U.S. patients. The focus here is on imaging, which shows great promise in transforming medical treatment from invasive practices involving hospital stays to imaging procedures that can be performed easily and safely on outpatients. Subjects include the state of the industry, coming innovations, and the contributions payers (including Medicare) can make as they struggle with rising costs and difficult-to-quantify payoffs.