ACR Statement in Response to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Publication, "Medical Technology as a Driver of Healthcare Costs: Diagnostic Imaging"
The American College of Radiology has always been committed to the principle that patients should receive appropriate diagnostic imaging examinations, in a cost-effective manner, from the most highly qualified physicians. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association publication, "Medical Technology as a Driver of Healthcare Costs: Diagnostic Imaging," describes some important concepts regarding the relationship of diagnostic imaging technology advances, public demand for increased diagnostic accuracy, ability of new imaging technology to replace more costly alternatives and utilization patterns of referring physicians as a complex driver of health care costs.
We agree with the conclusion stated in this publication and are currently engaged in collaborative efforts with major private and public payers to evaluate new imaging technology, ensure a high level of quality and patient safety and educate referring physicians and patients about appropriate utilization of diagnostic imaging examinations.
It is important, however, to understand that the majority of diagnostic imaging examinations performed outside hospitals in the United States are not performed by radiologists1 and that, in recent years, there has been a striking increase in the number of complex, high-cost imaging exams performed by nonradiologists as compared to those performed by radiologists.2 This trend is further driven by suppliers who are developing and marketing imaging equipment for use in nonradiologist physician offices.3
It is also important to recognize that estimates from Booz Allen Hamilton, as presented in this Blue Cross Blue Shield Association publication, indicate that anticipated expenditure growth in other new technologies may outpace the growth in diagnostic imaging from 2000-2005. It is therefore imperative that physicians and other health care providers, who direct the utilization of high-cost medical technology in all areas, be committed to evidence-based principles in directing that utilization.
There is general agreement that advancing technology combined with an aging population will present a monumental challenge to those who are charged with funding future health care in the United States. The ACR encourages collaboration among all payers and provider organizations in order to meet this challenge.