Dear Imaging Leaders Insider,
It's no secret that the practice of radiology is changing under the pressure of reimbursement cuts, healthcare reform, and increasingly tough contract negotiations with hospitals. Radiologists are being challenged to come out of their reading rooms and educate both referring doctors and patients on what exactly the profession contributes to the healthcare enterprise -- or further open their services to commoditization.
A new company based in Chicago is bridging the radiologist-patient divide by offering second-opinion services to the public. But does providing this service actually expand opportunities for radiologists, or does it contribute to the erosion of radiology's autonomy? Find out more in this issue's Insider Exclusive.
When you've finished reading our featured article, check out these other stories in the Imaging Leaders Digital Community:
- Get the scoop on a new study that shows imaging growth slowing sharply, starting in 2006, and learn what that means for the radiology market.
- Read about the cardiac cath technologist who allegedly infected patients at a New Hampshire hospital with hepatitis C and how his actions may be affecting other states.
- Find out why the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun taking public comment on a proposal to streamline the process by which PET imaging agents are reviewed and approved for reimbursement.
- Check out the final installment in our series about how sonographers can overcome work-related musculoskeletal issues.
- Discover what CMS has proposed for its 2013 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which includes slashing payments to radiologists and radiation oncologists.
If you have a comment or report to share about any aspect of diagnostic imaging practice, management, administration, regulation, or financing, I invite you to contact me.
