Whitney Palmer

What Can Radiologists Really Do About Unnecessary Imaging?

Published on the Jan. 15, 2015, DiagnosticImaging.com website

By Whitney L.J. Howell

Unnecessary imaging and appropriateness criteria. These two phrases have dominated radiology discussions for the past several years. It’s a complicated topic that has an even more complex, and elusive, answer.

And, according to industry leaders, one of the most critical components to the discussion is the role radiologists play in limiting the number of unnecessary and duplicative imaging studies performed.

“Radiologists get painted as these selfish people who are self-interested and who are going to fight against change,” said Jeremy Bikman, chief executive officer for peer60, a big data survey company that provides analysis based on conversations with on-the-ground professionals. “But, they didn’t create their reimbursement structure. It comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and radiologists are just doing the best they can.”

That performance includes responding to and meeting referring physicians’ needs and desires, which, frequently, he said, can be wasteful. A recent peer60 report puts the nationwide cost of unnecessary imaging between $7.47 billion and $11.95 billion annually.

To reach the article in its entirety at its original location: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/practice-management/what-can-radiologists-really-do-about-unnecessary-imaging

January 15, 2015 - Posted by wjpalmer | Uncategorized | American College of Radiology Neiman Health Policy Institute, annual cost of unnecessary imaging, controlling unnecessary diagnostic imaging, controlling unnecessary imaging, diagnostic imaging and clinical decision support software, Imaging 3.0, Jeremy Bikman, McKesson clinical decision support, Medicalis clinical decision support, peer60, radiology and unnecessary imaging, Richard Duszak MD, unnecessary imaging and accountable care organizations, unnecessary imaging and defensive medicine, unnecessary imaging and HITECH Act, unnecessary imaging and radiologist role