Dear AuntMinnie Member,
A new article in the February issue Journal of the American College of Radiology drags a nagging suspicion of many radiologists out into the open: that teleradiology is leading to the decline and commoditization of the specialty.
In unusually blunt language, authors David Levin, MD, and Vijay Rao, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia imply that radiologists are effectively tying their own nooses when they outsource night and weekend coverage to teleradiology firms. We're covering the article this week in our PACS Digital Community.
The authors contend that outsourcing leads to lower prices and reduced quality, as well as displacement from hospital contracts and referring physicians. It also opens the door to teleradiology firms competing directly with radiology groups, a trend that's already under way.
Will the article serve as a call to the barricades for beleaguered radiologists to defend their profession? Or are Levin and Rao simply defending an outmoded industry model that's experiencing inevitable change? Read more by clicking here, and let us know what you think by clicking the "Post your comment" link at the bottom of the article when you've finished.
CMS gets input on imaging efficiency
In other news, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) heard input from radiology professionals yesterday on a proposal to make changes to a program that tracks utilization of a basket of imaging exams to gauge appropriate utilization.
The agency's Outpatient Imaging Efficiency program currently follows four imaging procedures, but CMS wanted to know what other exams could be added to the program. While offering up some suggestions, radiology advocates also advocated that CMS take a wider approach beyond just utilization metrics -- such as evaluating quality and safety.
The agency should also examine physician self-referral, which many in radiology believe is a driver of higher -- and inappropriate -- utilization. Learn more by clicking here, or visit our Imaging Leaders Digital Community at leaders.auntminnie.com.
