The current physician piecemeal reimbursement model ultimately drives up the costs of healthcare according to Sandeep Jauhar, MD. In a New York Times editorial he explains that while overutilization is certainly a factor, cutting payments to physicians is a self-defeating strategy, forcing them to increase the number of patients they see, which reduces the amount of time spent with each one. Busy doctors call on others to help with the patient load, often times specialists who may order more tests, driving up costs. "There is no more wasteful entity in medicine than a rushed doctor," says Jauhar.  

The Obama Administration reports more than eight million people have signed up for health insurance under the new healthcare law, but many of those newly insured are confused. Responses like this are common: “I have my card, now what?” or “I pay my premium, why am I getting a bill?”

The new world order in radiology is much more about collaboration than independence, or rather, collaboration to retain independence. More and more, radiologists need to function as consultants, collaborating with other healthcare colleagues to increase their value through their expertise and best practices.

The final rule for the 2014 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which was released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in November, announced significant reductions in reimbursement for imaging-heavy specialties, and these reimbursement cuts will have major effects on future revenue streams for imaging facilities all over the country. 

Radiology groups are continuously being required to run their businesses more efficiently due to the current healthcare environment, in which reimbursements are declining and consumers are shouldering more of their own healthcare expenses under the new healthcare law.

As healthcare evolves, so too must healthcare consumers, providers, and payors. Healthcare consumers have increased access to coverage through the new health law, as well as through cooperative efforts between employers, providers, and payors to provide more affordable coverage. Many of the new plans offer affordable premiums that unfortunately, come with high deductibles.

October 19-21Seattle, WA

To achieve success in consolidating two radiology practices, it’s important that they are a “good fit.” But what determines a good fit?  While practices may be similar in size and may even have some structural similarities, no two practices are exactly alike.