ACR urges radiologists to fight Medicare cuts
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has issued a letter imploring radiologists to express their disapproval over reimbursement cuts planned for the 2012 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.
The proposed rule would institute a 50 percent multiple procedure payment reduction for the professional component of advanced imaging services delivered to the same patient, on the same day, by the same physician and during the same session.
“Unfortunately, [the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] has once again failed to recognize that radiologists are morally and professionally obligated to expend an equal amount of time, effort, and skill on interpreting images, irrespective of whether or not previous examinations have been performed on the same day, or the modality or section of the body under examination,” wrote the ACR in a form letter addressed to Donald M. Berwick, MD, MPP, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Previous payment cuts for imaging have focused on the technical component of procedures. The ACR called the proposed reduction to professional services “harmful,” saying it would “grossly undervalue the role of radiologists within the healthcare delivery process.”
Citing recently published and far lower potential efficiency gains for the professional component of radiologic services, the ACR challenged CMS to produce data that could validate its decision for a 50 percent multiple procedure payment reduction.
To comment to CMS, click here.
The proposed rule would institute a 50 percent multiple procedure payment reduction for the professional component of advanced imaging services delivered to the same patient, on the same day, by the same physician and during the same session.
“Unfortunately, [the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] has once again failed to recognize that radiologists are morally and professionally obligated to expend an equal amount of time, effort, and skill on interpreting images, irrespective of whether or not previous examinations have been performed on the same day, or the modality or section of the body under examination,” wrote the ACR in a form letter addressed to Donald M. Berwick, MD, MPP, administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Previous payment cuts for imaging have focused on the technical component of procedures. The ACR called the proposed reduction to professional services “harmful,” saying it would “grossly undervalue the role of radiologists within the healthcare delivery process.”
Citing recently published and far lower potential efficiency gains for the professional component of radiologic services, the ACR challenged CMS to produce data that could validate its decision for a 50 percent multiple procedure payment reduction.
To comment to CMS, click here.