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GU Health

Renal Lesions

Epidemiology & Progression:

Incidental renal masses are common, found on ~1-5% of abdominal imaging studies [42]. Approximately 70-80% of solid renal masses are malignant (mostly renal cell carcinoma, RCC), though many small (<3-4 cm) RCCs are indolent. Cystic lesions are evaluated using the Bosniak classification; complex cysts (Bosniak III/IV) have a high likelihood of malignancy [ACR White Paper Renal, 42]. Progression varies; many small RCCs grow slowly.

Clinical Value:

Tracking renal masses according to ACR guidelines (including Bosniak classification for cysts) allows for risk stratification and appropriate management, ranging from surveillance for small/simple lesions to biopsy or surgical intervention for suspicious/complex masses [42]. This facilitates early detection and treatment of RCC, improving oncologic outcomes. Failure to track risks delayed diagnosis or inappropriate management [43].

Return on Investment (ROI):

Guideline-based management involves follow-up imaging (CT, MRI, US), urology referrals, biopsies, and potential nephrectomy or ablation. Based on proprietary modeling for a medium-sized hospital system, Thynk Health's tracking can capture an estimated $20.9 million in additional net revenue over five years (70% vs 30% capture) through appropriate diagnostics and high-value urologic procedures [Thynk Health ROI Data, 2025]. 

Feature List:

  • Bosniak Classification Integration: Tracks Bosniak categories to cystic lesions based on NLP extraction of features. 

  • ACR Guideline Integration (Solid Masses): Applies recommendations based on size and characteristics of solid lesions. 

  • Follow-up Imaging Scheduling: Manages surveillance CT/MRI/US based on lesion type/risk. 

  • Urology Referral Workflow: Triggers referrals for suspicious solid masses or complex (Bosniak III/IV) cysts. 

Prostate PI-RADS MRI Tracking

Epidemiology & Progression:

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men [1]. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS®) are increasingly used for detection and risk stratification. PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions have a high likelihood of clinically significant cancer (up to 70-90%), while PI-RADS 3 lesions are equivocal [ACR PI-RADS®]. Progression depends on Gleason score and stage; active surveillance is an option for low-risk disease.

Clinical Value:

Tracking PI-RADS scores and subsequent actions (biopsy results, treatment choices, surveillance imaging) is crucial for longitudinal management [ACR PI-RADS®]. It ensures appropriate follow-up for suspicious lesions, guides targeted biopsies, aids treatment planning, and monitors patients on active surveillance. Inconsistent tracking can lead to missed diagnoses, delayed treatment, or inappropriate surveillance intervals [44].

Return on Investment (ROI):

Managing patients based on PI-RADS involves targeted biopsies, urology consults, and various treatment pathways (surgery, radiation, active surveillance with repeat MRIs/biopsies). Based on proprietary modeling for a medium-sized hospital system, Thynk Health's PI-RADS tracking can capture an estimated $0.5 million in additional net revenue over five years (70% vs 30% capture) through optimized diagnostics, retained treatments, and structured surveillance programs [Thynk Health ROI Data, 2025].

Feature List:

  • PI-RADS® Score Extraction: Uses NLP to identify PI-RADS scores from MRI reports. 

  • Biopsy Recommendation/Tracking: Flags PI-RADS 4/5 lesions for biopsy consideration and tracks biopsy results. 

  • Active Surveillance Cohort Management: Tracks patients on AS protocols, scheduling follow-up PSAs, MRIs, and biopsies. 

  • Urology/Oncology Referral Workflow: Facilitates referrals based on PI-RADS score and biopsy results. 

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: 
[42] Silverman, S. G., et al. (2017). Management of the incidental renal mass. Radiology. / Israel, G. M., et al. (2017). ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Renal Mass-Solid and Cystic Lesions. Journal of the American College of Radiology. 
[43] Ljungberg, B., et al. (2016). EAU guidelines on renal cell carcinoma: 2014 update. European urology. 
[44] Turkbey, B., et al. (2019). PI-RADS 2.1: 2019 Update of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System. Radiology. 

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