Radiology Associations Call for Congress to Ignore BCBS Plan

Published on the Oct. 13, 2011, DiagnosticImaging.com website

By Whitney L.J. Howell

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association plan unveiled last week that touches on advanced imaging services has industry leaders up-in-arms, calling for Congress to leave plan-of-care decisions between doctors and their patients.

In a move that would shift the healthcare system away from fee-for-service to a patient-centered model, this proposal would require prior authorization for advanced imaging services. Some economic analyses estimate the measure could save $319 billion over the next decade.

However, many in radiology say there is no proof that adding this step as a blanket measure will produce any benefit. In fact, they say, the change would affect not only radiologists, but it could also delay treatment options for older patients who rely heavily on imaging studies for diagnoses.

“No evidence exists that mandating prior authorizations for medical imaging will actually result in any cost savings,” said Tim Trysla, executive director of Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC). “And requiring it for services that the Medicare program already covers for seniors will only result in denial or delay of services.”

To read the remainder of the story: http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/practice-management/content/article/113619/1970868

 

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