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Endocrine Health

Thyroid Nodules

Epidemiology & Progression:

Thyroid nodules are extremely common, detected incidentally on 16-68% of imaging studies (CT, MRI, US) [38, ACR White Paper Thyroid]. Prevalence increases with age. The vast majority (>90-95%) are benign. Malignancy risk is ~5-10%, guided by ultrasound features (ACR TI-RADS®) and size [38, ACR TI-RADS®]. Most thyroid cancers are slow-growing papillary carcinomas with excellent prognosis if detected early. 

Clinical Value:

Tracking incidental or known thyroid nodules according to ACR TI-RADS® guidelines ensures appropriate risk stratification, guiding decisions for surveillance ultrasound versus fine-needle aspiration (FNA) [ACR TI-RADS®]. This facilitates timely diagnosis of thyroid cancer while minimizing unnecessary biopsies for benign nodules. Failure to track risks delayed cancer diagnosis or inappropriate/overly frequent surveillance [39].

Return on Investment (ROI):

Guideline-adherent management involves follow-up ultrasounds, FNA biopsies, endocrine/surgical referrals, and potential thyroidectomy. Based on proprietary modeling for a medium-sized hospital system, Thynk Health's tracking can capture an estimated $6.0 million in additional net revenue over five years (70% vs 30% capture) through appropriate diagnostics and interventions [Thynk Health ROI Data, 2025].

Feature List:

  • TI-RADS® Integration: Automatically tracks TI-RADS scores based on NLP extraction of ultrasound features. 

  • Guideline-Based FNA/Surveillance Logic: Tracks FNA or ultrasound follow-up intervals based on TI-RADS score and nodule size. 

  • Ultrasound/FNA Scheduling & Tracking: Manages follow-up appointments and tracks biopsy results. 

  • Endocrine/Surgical Referral Workflow: Triggers referrals based on TI-RADS score or FNA results. 

Adrenal Lesions

Epidemiology & Progression:

Incidental adrenal lesions ("incidentalomas") are found in up to 5-7% of abdominal CT scans [40]. Most are benign, non-functioning adenomas. However, evaluation is needed to exclude malignancy (e.g., metastasis, adrenocortical carcinoma - rare but aggressive) and hormonal hyperfunction (e.g., Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma, hyperaldosteronism). Progression of benign adenomas is rare, but malignancies/functional lesions require specific management [ACR White Paper Adrenal, 40].

Clinical Value:

Systematic evaluation and tracking based on ACR guidelines (size, imaging characteristics, clinical context, biochemical testing) allows for characterization of adrenal masses [40]. This ensures timely diagnosis and treatment of malignancies or hormone-secreting tumors, while avoiding unnecessary follow-up for benign lesions. Failure to evaluate incidentalomas risks missing treatable endocrine disorders or cancers [41].

Return on Investment (ROI):

Managing adrenal incidentalomas involves specific imaging protocols (adrenal-protocol CT/MRI), biochemical testing, endocrine referrals, and potential adrenalectomy. Based on proprietary modeling for a medium-sized hospital system, Thynk Health's tracking can capture an estimated $0.8 million in additional net revenue over five years (70% vs 30% capture) through appropriate diagnostic workups and interventions [Thynk Health ROI Data, 2025].

Feature List:

  • ACR Guideline Integration (Adrenal): Applies logic based on reported size, density (HU on non-contrast CT), and washout characteristics (on adrenal protocol CT). 

  • Biochemical Testing Orders/Tracking (Potential Integration): Could flag need for or track results of hormonal workup. 

  • Follow-up Imaging Scheduling: Manages appropriate CT/MRI follow-up based on initial characterization. 

  • Endocrine Referral Workflow: Triggers referrals for functional workup or suspicious lesions. 

Important Note on ROI: The Return on Investment (ROI) figures presented are derived from Thynk Health's proprietary performance data analysis. These calculations are based on models simulating a medium-sized hospital system processing approximately 600,000 CT scans annually through emergency departments and utilizing multispecialty guidelines for follow-up care pathways and associated downstream revenue capture. Actual ROI may vary based on specific institutional factors, patient populations, and payer mix.  

References: 
[38] Hoang, J. K., et al. (2015). Managing incidental thyroid nodules detected on imaging: white paper of the ACR Incidental Thyroid Findings Committee. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 
[39] Tessler, F. N., et al. (2017). ACR Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS): White Paper of the ACR TI-RADS Committee. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 
[40] Mayo-Smith, W. W., et al. (2017). Management of incidental adrenal masses: a white paper of the ACR Incidental Findings Committee. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 
[41] Fassnacht, M., et al. (2016). Management of adrenal incidentalomas: European Society of Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline in collaboration with the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors. European journal of endocrinology. 

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