Discussion topic:
Read the article provided in the link below and answer the following question: Do you agree with the legislation? Why or why not? Use examples to strengthen your position.
Discussion post:
According to Auntminne.com1 new Medicare reimbursement policies might have a significant impact on the field of radiology beginning in 2017. The article states that as of 2017 Medicare reimbursement rates will drop a notable 20% for x-ray film imaging. The second part of the new Medicare plan will taper reimbursement rates for CR by 7% from 2018 to 2023, and reimbursement rates will be dropped by 10% after 2023.1
The reduction in payment reimbursement for analog x-ray procedures by 20% will be a huge blow to any imaging centers still using film based systems. However, it may be time to push the relative few remaining film based centers in the direction of progress. Analog film is an antiquated technology that results in higher patient dose, possible harm to the environment from the chemicals used to develop film, and is less cost effective due to storage requirements. The notification of the reimbursement reduction was released in February this year and it will not allow much time for film based imaging centers to update their technology. It is possible some small rural centers will not be able to afford an upgrade in such a short amount of time. It is also worth considering the other side of the coin, some centers may have payed off their older film based equipment many years ago and are hesitant to switch to a newer system simply because it’s purchase will eat into profits. This new precedent may be just what is needed to force analog holdouts into the modern era of radiography.1
The problematic area of this new Medicare reimbursement policy arises from the penalty that will be levied against CR based imaging centers beginning in 2018. The fact that the ACR worked with equipment manufacturers to initiate these changes should raise an eyebrow. It can only be assumed that equipment manufacturers have their own personal interests in mind because they are businesses and their ultimate goal is profit motivated. One can reasonably argue that DR is significantly superior to film based radiography. However, the division between CR and DR is less prominent. If DR is responsible for less patient dose through exposure factors an academic study comparing patient dose should be cited to examine how significant the difference between CR and DR is concerning patient safety. DR may allow for a more efficient workflow in some cases but CR certainly has advantages that DR does not. For example, CR cassettes are smaller and less cumbersome than DR TFT panels. A CR cassette can be placed under a patient and cause less discomfort compared to a DR panel. I don’t agree that the penalty on CR is justified at this point. Ultimately, a change will be necessary but perhaps the transition requirements should be more forgiving and allow for a longer adjustment period.1
References
1.Brian C. Medicare to Cut Analog X-ray Payments Starting in 2017. AuntMinnie.com. http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=prtf&sub=def&pag=dis&itenld=113334&printpage=true&fsec=ser&fsub=def. Accessed November 14, 2016.
Read the article provided in the link below and answer the following question: Do you agree with the legislation? Why or why not? Use examples to strengthen your position.
Discussion post:
According to Auntminne.com1 new Medicare reimbursement policies might have a significant impact on the field of radiology beginning in 2017. The article states that as of 2017 Medicare reimbursement rates will drop a notable 20% for x-ray film imaging. The second part of the new Medicare plan will taper reimbursement rates for CR by 7% from 2018 to 2023, and reimbursement rates will be dropped by 10% after 2023.1
The reduction in payment reimbursement for analog x-ray procedures by 20% will be a huge blow to any imaging centers still using film based systems. However, it may be time to push the relative few remaining film based centers in the direction of progress. Analog film is an antiquated technology that results in higher patient dose, possible harm to the environment from the chemicals used to develop film, and is less cost effective due to storage requirements. The notification of the reimbursement reduction was released in February this year and it will not allow much time for film based imaging centers to update their technology. It is possible some small rural centers will not be able to afford an upgrade in such a short amount of time. It is also worth considering the other side of the coin, some centers may have payed off their older film based equipment many years ago and are hesitant to switch to a newer system simply because it’s purchase will eat into profits. This new precedent may be just what is needed to force analog holdouts into the modern era of radiography.1
The problematic area of this new Medicare reimbursement policy arises from the penalty that will be levied against CR based imaging centers beginning in 2018. The fact that the ACR worked with equipment manufacturers to initiate these changes should raise an eyebrow. It can only be assumed that equipment manufacturers have their own personal interests in mind because they are businesses and their ultimate goal is profit motivated. One can reasonably argue that DR is significantly superior to film based radiography. However, the division between CR and DR is less prominent. If DR is responsible for less patient dose through exposure factors an academic study comparing patient dose should be cited to examine how significant the difference between CR and DR is concerning patient safety. DR may allow for a more efficient workflow in some cases but CR certainly has advantages that DR does not. For example, CR cassettes are smaller and less cumbersome than DR TFT panels. A CR cassette can be placed under a patient and cause less discomfort compared to a DR panel. I don’t agree that the penalty on CR is justified at this point. Ultimately, a change will be necessary but perhaps the transition requirements should be more forgiving and allow for a longer adjustment period.1
References
1.Brian C. Medicare to Cut Analog X-ray Payments Starting in 2017. AuntMinnie.com. http://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=prtf&sub=def&pag=dis&itenld=113334&printpage=true&fsec=ser&fsub=def. Accessed November 14, 2016.