Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Concerns over in-office physician self-referral of extremity MRI scans have helped postpone a proposed initiative to accredit orthopedic MRI units. The imbroglio is an indication of the rising stakes in the battle between radiologists and other physicians who want to conduct their own imaging studies.
As reported in a story in our MRI Digital Community by staff writer Tracie L. Thompson, the American College of Radiology has proposed adding an orthopedic MRI module to its existing MRI accreditation program. The proposal has run into opposition from several state radiological societies, however, who believe that accreditation could confer a stamp of approval on orthopedic practices that have installed their own extremity MRI scanners.
It’s a touchy subject for radiologists -- orthopedic physicians have been buying extremity MRI scanners at a rapid clip, attracted by their low cost and ease of operation. This has led to a double whammy of increased utilization rates for extremity MRI and lower referrals to radiology practices.
In response to the protests, the ACR said it has postponed implementation of the orthopedic MRI module until the issue can be voted on at the society’s annual meeting in May. However the issue sorts out, you can be assured that it won’t be the last word in the ongoing battle between radiologists and orthopedic physicians over control of extremity MRI.
Get the rest of the details in our MRI Digital Community, at mri.auntminnie.com.
