UnitedHealthcare has launched a new imaging provider assessment program that will influence payments to healthcare providers based on a quality ratings system that the company is developing, the American College of Radiology (ACR) reported.
The insurer's Designated Diagnostic Imaging Provider Program will evaluate imaging providers on quality and efficiency standards and offer tiered benefits to patients based on a selected provider's designation, the ACR said. Providers will be ranked on quality standards that will include accreditation status as well as timeliness of care, test result reporting, and electronic image submission.
The program will measure efficiency by cost. Patients will receive the most benefits from UnitedHealthcare for providers in the program's first tier; second-tier providers will still be considered in-network, but coverage will be lower and patient copays higher.
This new program will begin July 1. The ACR plans to continue to dialogue with UnitedHealthcare about questions or concerns that arise, it said.
