Investigators with University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, recently explored the use of a “promising” new option that reduces energy consumption during brief, inter-examination idle intervals. 

Exams are being delivered faster, thanks to abbreviated protocols, but experts contend insurers should not cut MRI pay because of such efficiencies. 

The product is a fully integrated, artificial intelligence-enabled technology tool, providing real-time analytics to interested outside radiology groups.

The findings are from research conducted by the Commonwealth Fund that looked at nationwide provider reimbursement data. While the sample size is small, it shows the insurer tends to favor its own doctors.

Merck was the No. 1 funder for radiologists, contributing nearly $108 million in payments, followed by imaging manufacturer Siemens Healthineers ($64 million) and drugmaker Novartis ($57 million). 

The country’s largest municipal healthcare system aims to bring imaging services "directly into the community" to eliminate barriers to care, reduce wait times and detect diseases earlier.  
 

President Donald Trump’s administration wants states to check to see if hundreds of thousands of residents are enrolled in Medicaid illegally. CMS provided a specific list of people it suspects are undocumented.

The new, negative 2.5% efficiency adjustment will be applied to the vast majority of Medicare payments for physician services. It was opposed by cardiology and most other medical societies.