SimonMed Imaging Partners with HeartLung.AI to Offer Artificial Intelligence-Based Osteoporosis Screening (AutoBMD™ AI) as an add-on to CT Scans Nationwide

SimonMed Imaging Partners with HeartLung.AI to Offer Artificial Intelligence-Based Bone Density Screening Nationwide. View Press Release.

Advancing Bone Density Screening with AI-Driven Solutions: SimonMed Imaging and HeartLung's Strategic Partnership

SimonMed Imaging and HeartLung Technologies are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership to offer HeartLung's AutoBMD™, an AI-powered, automated bone mineral density screening for opportunistic detection of bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis) in CT scans. This partnership represents a major step forward in both organizations' missions to deliver innovative AI solutions for preventive healthcare to millions of Americans who are unaware of their bone loss. Unfortunately, many individuals only discover their severe bone loss after suffering the adverse effects of a fracture.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Simon and his outstanding team at SimonMed Imaging Centers chose our innovative AI solution to help their patients detect osteoporosis early. Early detection enables early treatment, which prevents adverse outcomes. This partnership is in line with our commitment to advancing preventive healthcare through AI-enabled technologies.” - Dr. Morteza Naghavi, MD, Founder and President of HeartLung Technologies.

Recent media coverage has highlighted the importance of osteoporosis screening. Studies indicate that 21% to 30% of individuals who experience a hip fracture die within a year 1  2  3  4. Osteoporotic fractures affect more women than heart attacks, strokes, and breast cancer combined 5. Despite this, osteoporosis screening rates are low, especially among men. HeartLung’s AutoBMD™ AI detects osteoporosis opportunistically in CT scans performed for other reasons, avoiding the need for additional procedures and radiation exposure. The AI analyzes existing CT scan data and produces a colorful, patient-friendly bone density report with Z and T scores, similar to DEXA scanners. The FDA has cleared HeartLung’s AutoBMD AI as a DEXA-equivalent device for opportunistic detection of low bone density in CT scans.

Dr. John Simon, MD, founder and CEO of SimonMed Imaging, played a pivotal role in establishing the partnership with HeartLung Technologies. With over 30 years of expertise in body imaging, women’s imaging, and interventional radiology, Dr. Simon's collaboration with HeartLung aims to bring cutting-edge AI diagnostics to millions of people who need them.

“We are excited to integrate new AI technologies that enhance patient care across our nationwide practice. This innovation has the potential to identify silent osteoporosis early, empowering patients to take proactive steps to improve bone health and reduce fracture risks.” - Dr. John Simon, MD, founder and President of SimonMed Imaging"

About SimonMed Imaging Centers

SimonMed Imaging stands as one of the largest independent outpatient medical imaging providers and physician radiology practices in the United States. With over 150 accredited facilities across 10 states and a team of more than 200 highly experienced, subspecialty-trained radiologists, SimonMed delivers a wide array of diagnostic imaging services, including 3T MRI, CT, ultrasound, 3-D mammography, PET/CT, nuclear medicine, DEXA, and X-rays. The company's mission is to offer top-tier, affordable care through advanced technology, combining state-of-the-art imaging equipment with highly experienced medical professionals to deliver accurate diagnoses and exceptional patient care. SimonMed is dedicated to making advanced imaging accessible, offering convenient locations, same-day appointments, and transparent pricing to ensure patients receive superior care while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses.

About HeartLung Technologies

HeartLung leverages AI technology for the early detection of heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema/COPD, osteoporosis, myosteatosis, fatty liver disease, and other life-threatening conditions. HeartLung has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance for AutoBMD™, the only DEXA-equivalent, CT-based opportunistic osteoporosis screening approved by the FDA, applicable to over 25 million CT scans annually and reimbursed by Medicare. HeartLung has received FDA "Breakthrough Designation" for AutoChamber™, an AI tool that identifies enlarged cardiac chambers and left ventricular hypertrophy in non-contrast chest CT scans, which are typically undetectable by the human eye. The AutoChamber™ AI also works on low-dose CT for lung cancer screening as well as contrast-enhanced coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans. Additionally, HeartLung is awaiting FDA approval for AI-CVD™, a suite of AI modules including AI-CAC™ (AI-enabled Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring), aimed at early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease using widely available CT scans.

AutoBMD™: Leading the Way in Bone Density Measurement

HeartLung's AutoBMD™ is an AI-powered, cloud-based solution for opportunistic bone mineral density measurement using existing CT scans. It is the only DEXA-equivalent, CT-based osteoporosis screening approved by the FDA, applicable to over 25 million CT scans annually and reimbursed by Medicare.

AI-CAC™ and AI-CVD™: Pioneering Cardiovascular Diagnostics

SimonMed will integrate HeartLung's AI-CAC™ and AI-CVD™ components once they receive FDA clearance. These advanced AI tools are designed to enhance early detection of cardiovascular diseases, providing healthcare professionals with critical insights to improve patient outcomes.

AutoChamber™: Advanced Cardiac Volumetry

HeartLung's AutoChamber™ is an AI-powered tool for cardiac chamber volumetry, currently in the final stages of fine-tuning. It has received FDA "Breakthrough Designation" for its ability to identify enlarged cardiac chambers and left ventricular hypertrophy in non-contrast chest CT scans.

Significance of the Partnership

This partnership with SimonMed marks a significant milestone in HeartLung's mission to revolutionize preventive healthcare. By leveraging AI technology, HeartLung aims to improve early detection of heart disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis, fatty liver, and other life-threatening conditions.

Closing Remarks

HeartLung Technologies and SimonMed Imaging are paving the way for a healthier future through innovative AI solutions. This collaboration underscores their commitment to improving patient care and outcomes through early detection and advanced diagnostics.

We congratulate the entire HeartLung team for their dedication and hard work in achieving this milestone. Together, we are paving the way for a healthier future.

Explore our exciting plans for 2025.

Click here to read the official press release.

Click to see a news article on AuntMinnie about this partnership.

References:

1. Meyer AC, Ek S, Drefahl S, Ahlbom A, Hedström M, Modig K. Trends in Hip Fracture Incidence, Recurrence, and Survival by Education and Comorbidity: A Swedish Register-based Study. Epidemiology. 2021;32(3):425-433. doi:10.1097/EDE.0000000000001321 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8011509/)

2. Sarafrazi N, Wambogo EA, Shepherd JA. Osteoporosis or low bone mass in older adults: United States, 2017–2018. NCHS Data Brief, no 405. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2021. doi:10.15620/cdc:103477 (https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db405.htm)

3. Sudhakar S. Osteoporosis screening guidelines updated: Do you need a bone scan? NBC News. 2023. (https://www.nbcnews.com/health/womens-health/osteoporosis-screening-guidelines-updated-bone-scan-rcna186871)

4. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone health and osteoporosis: A report of the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (US): Arlington, VA. 2025. (https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/)

5. Cauley JA, Wampler NS, Barnhart JM, et al. Incidence of fractures compared to cardiovascular disease and breast cancer: the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Osteoporos Int. 2008;19(12):1717-1723. doi:10.1007/s00198-008-0634-y (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2663802/)