Dear AuntMinnie Member,
The notion of physician self-referral conjures up images of nonradiologist physicians conducting imaging studies on patients in their own offices. But a more complex variant of self-referral that involves leasing arrangements is starting to draw attention in the U.S.
As reported by staff writer Tracie L. Thompson in our Imaging Center Digital Community, many referring physicians are structuring deals with radiology groups in which the group essentially "leases" its equipment to the referring physicians, charging a set fee in exchange for patient referrals. The referring physicians bill insurers directly for the scans, and can pocket the difference between what they pay the imaging firm for the scans and what the insurer pays.
The problem is that such arrangements may violate federal antikickback laws that prevent physicians from being compensated for referring patients. But the legal environment is murky, and in the absence of significant federal or state enforcement, many physician groups are seeking out such arrangements.
The deals are putting pressure on radiology groups to negotiate leasing arrangements with their referring physicians. Many would prefer not to do so, but face a significant loss of business if they don't.
Read all about it by clicking here, or visit our Imaging Center Digital Community at centers.auntminnie.com.
