The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiology Business Management Association (RBMA) are taking issue with Aetna's new claims policy that will gradually reduce reimbursement for multiple ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans.
According to the two associations, beginning February 1, the Hartford, CT-based insurance company will reduce by 50% reimbursement for second and subsequent multiple imaging exams on the same date of service, based on the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) multiple procedure reduction policy for diagnostic imaging procedures.
The ACR and RBMA assert that Aetna's policy differs from the CMS regulations because the reduction will apply to technical and global charges for facility and medical claims, including independent radiology centers. The reduction will not apply to professional fees billed separately.
To avoid the cut to the professional component of the reimbursement, the organizations recommend submitting separate claims for technical and professional fees.
The ACR and RBMA outlined their objections to the new policy in a letter to Aetna and vowed to "vigorously fight this new measure."
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ACR opposes healthcare bill's imaging cuts, March 22, 2010
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