Dear Imaging Center Insider,
Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule for the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) that suggested the equipment use rate for imaging be changed from 50% to 90%.
Sound dramatic? It could be, if adopted when the agency issues its final rule in November. But many radiologists are unclear about what, exactly, the equipment utilization rate is, and how changes to it can affect their practice.
In this month's Insider Exclusive, we've outlined this key factor and how it affects independent centers' bottom line. Click here for the full story. As an Insider subscriber, you have access to the article days before the rest of our members.
When you've finished, check out the rest of the headlines in our Imaging Center Digital Community, which this month has been dominated by healthcare policy news not only from CMS, but also from Congress. Find out about:
- CMS' proposed 1.9% increase in hospital outpatient payments
- How Congress plans to tackle the sticky problem of healthcare reform now that it's back from its Independence Day recess
- The bill Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) has introduced in the House to try and close the Stark law in-office loophole
You'll also find a profile of Imaging Advantage, a California firm that's making waves with a new business model for providing radiology services. The company is making deals straight with local hospitals, which has alienated some radiologists who fear that local radiology groups could get cut out of the loop. Check out our story by clicking here.
As always, if you have a comment or report to share about any aspect of diagnostic imaging practice, management, administration, regulation, or financing, please contact me at [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you.
