HSC Study Highlights In-Office Imaging as a Driver of Imaging Growth: Cites Safety Concerns
A recent study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) discusses the rapid growth in imaging utilization, particularly in-office imaging, and various steps that private and public payers are taking or may take to address the issue. The HSC, as it is known, is a highly regarded think tank, and its findings will likely be examined by Congress as it formulates Medicare legislation this spring, and may well play a key role in any systematic reform effort under the new President in 2009.
The study
cites double digit increases annually in CT and MRI scans and attributes much
of the growth to poor quality, duplicative exams performed in physicians'
offices stating, "repeated imaging may result from poor quality images
generated by substandard equipment or from inaccurate interpretation of results
by inadequately trained physicians."
The study highlights safety concerns associated with poorly trained imaging
providers and the need for quality standards for medical imaging provided under
the Medicare system, stating, "MedPAC [Medicare Payment Advisory
Commission] recommended that CMS set standards for physicians who bill Medicare
for performing and interpreting diagnostic imaging studies, citing the need to
control Medicare spending and enhance the quality of care."
The HSC study specifically mentions ACR efforts to reduce radiation dose
estimates from CT scans and other modalities which use ionizing radiation and
to educate referring physicians regarding safe, necessary imaging stating,
"The American College of Radiology (ACR) developed criteria to help
radiologists and other physicians identify the most appropriate tests for more
than 200 clinical conditions."
The study's findings are
detailed in a new HSC Issue Brief — Health Plans Target Advanced Imaging
Services: Cost, Quality and Safety Concerns Prompt Renewed Oversight.
Click here to read the
HSC Issue Brief.
Click here to read the
HSC News Release.
