Dear AuntMinnie Member,
Just what was the federal government thinking when it proposed slashing radiation therapy Medicare reimbursement by double digits? Many radiation oncology providers have puzzled over the motives as they braced for the cuts.
A new article by associate editor Cynthia E. Keen in our Radiation Oncology Digital Community examines the rationale behind the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposal. The decision appears to have been based on literature intended for patients rather than a rigorous statistical analysis of the work required to deliver radiation treatments.
What's the difference? A lot, according to advocates for radiation therapy, who are fighting the proposed cuts on a number of fronts, including in Congress. Learn more by clicking here.
In other news, a new study published this week has found that patients may have to travel farther if they are being treated by urologists who refer them to radiation therapy centers in which they have a financial interest. The study undercuts the long-held assertion that such physician self-referral is more convenient for patients.
Read that article by clicking here, or visit our Radiation Oncology Digital Community at radiation.auntminnie.com.
Muroff on radiology's 8 trends
Our coverage of the AHRA 2012 meeting in Orlando, FL, continues in our Imaging Leaders Digital Community. Our most recent article is based on a presentation by Dr. Lawrence Muroff, president and CEO of educational firm Imaging Consultants.
Dr. Muroff sees eight key trends developing that will affect the practice of radiology in the near term. From declining reimbursement to competition from academia, each of these trends will change the way radiologists perform their jobs.
The outcome is likely to be an economic environment that's radically different from the one you're used to, and one that will require everyone to work harder to succeed, he believes. Learn more by clicking here, or visit the community at leaders.auntminnie.com.
