How Radiologists Get Paid

Practice Expense and Implications for Radiologists

In today’s episode Dr. Rajeev Shah, neuroradiologist at Austin Radiological Association, and Incoming President of Texas Radiological Society speaks with Dr. Michael Booker about Practice Expense. Dr. Booker is a diagnostic radiologist at Imaging Healthcare Specialists in San Diego, CA. He serves as the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Advisor to the Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC), member of the RUC Practice Expense Subcommittee, ACR Economics Committee on Reimbursement, and ACR HOPPS Committee.  In this episode, you will be able to: 1. Discover the key complexities of healthcare reimbursement and practice expenses that every radiologist should understand to advocate for fair reimbursement. 2. Learn how Medicare and the RUC process affect payment rates for radiologists and gain insights into maximizing reimbursement opportunities. 3. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the calculation and breakdown of direct and indirect practice expenses to optimize practice efficiency and profitability. 4. Stay up-to-date on the current challenges and upcoming changes in practice expense calculations to ensure compliance with regulations and adapt your practice accordingly. 5. Recognize the importance of advocacy and staying informed to effectively navigate the complex landscape of healthcare reimbursement and secure fair payment rates. To view the video and slides referenced in this episode, visit txrad.org/podcast. The Texas Radiological Society (TRS) is a professional, medical society dedicated to serving, promoting and advancing the profession of radiology in Texas. Connect with TRS on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TexasRadiologicalSociety], X [https://twitter.com/TxRadSociety], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-radiological-society].

Legislative Wins in Payment Policy

In today’s episode Dr. Sarah Avery, breast imager at Austin Radiological Association and past President of Texas Radiological Society, speaks with Dr. Amy Patel on Legislative Wins in Payment Policy.  Dr. Patel is Medical Director of the Breast Care Center at Liberty Hospital and serves as the Chair of both the American College of Radiology (ACR) Radiology Advocacy Network (RAN) and RADPAC. Her professional journey is a testament to her dedication to legislative and medical advocacy. Today, Dr. Patel will share her valuable insights on the impact of legislation on radiology payments, focusing mainly on the Medicare reimbursement cuts and the importance of supporting pro-radiology candidates. In this episode, you will: ·         Explore the significance of advocacy in initiating reforms within radiology legislation. ·         Understand the ways legislative actions can directly affect the financial facets of radiology. ·         Unmask the intricacies of the No Surprises Act and its effect on radiologists dealing with out-of-network claims. ·         Uncover the influence of state-level regulations on the dynamics of the radiology field. ·         Appreciate the pivotal roles of bodies like RADPAC and RAN in championing the cause.  The Texas Radiological Society (TRS) is a professional, medical society dedicated to serving, promoting and advancing the profession of radiology in Texas. Connect with TRS on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TexasRadiologicalSociety], X [https://twitter.com/TxRadSociety], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-radiological-society].

Hot Topics in Breast Imaging Reimbursement

In today’s episode Dr. Karla Sepulveda, Director of Breast Imaging at Baylor College of Medicine and past President of Texas Radiological Society speaks with Dr. Dana Smetherman on Hot Topics in Breast Imaging Reimbursement.  Dr. Smetherman is Chair of the Department of Radiology at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. She has served with the Economics team of the American College of Radiology (ACR) and serves as the CPT Advisor for ACR and the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS). Dr. Smetherman’s deep-rooted interest in breast imaging and healthcare economics shines through in her expertise and understanding of the nuanced reimbursement landscape.  In this episode, you will: ·         Review economic challenges and opportunities in breast imaging including threats to coverage for preventive services, bundling of services, and value based payments. ·         Learn about the Find It Early Act and radiologists' important role in advocating for access to breast imaging services without patient cost sharing. ·         Explore potential reimbursement pathways for abbreviated MRI. Dr. Smetherman will also offer her perspectives on leading a Radiology department and an optimistic outlook for the future of Radiology. The Texas Radiological Society (TRS) is a professional, medical society dedicated to serving, promoting and advancing the profession of radiology in Texas. Connect with TRS on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TexasRadiologicalSociety], X [https://twitter.com/TxRadSociety], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-radiological-society].

Payment Policy Updates

In today’s episode Kurt Schoppe, MD, President of Radiology Associates of North Texas, Council Vice-Speaker for the American College of Radiology (ACR) and Past Chair of the ACR Reimbursement Committee speaks with Lauren Nicola, MD on Payment Policy Updates. Dr. Nicola, a highly experienced radiologist and passionate leader, is currently serving on the ACR Board of Chancellors and as Chair of the Reimbursement Committee. Her extensive understanding of radiology economics has been shaped by active involvement in key roles, including leading the team at the Relative Value Update Committee (RUC), working on Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RVU) valuations, and responding to Medicare changes. In addition, she heads Triad Radiology in North Carolina, offering invaluable on-ground insights into the industry. In this episode, you will: • Examine the profound implications of reimbursement cuts and potential bundling on radiology codes • Analyze the complexities radiologists encounter with the Merit-based Incentive Payment System • Recognize the significance of active involvement in payment policies such as PPI surveys in safeguarding equitable reimbursement for radiologists • Forecast the future trajectory of radiology in MIPS The Texas Radiological Society (TRS) is a professional, medical society dedicated to serving, promoting and advancing the profession of radiology in Texas. Connect with TRS on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TexasRadiologicalSociety], X [https://twitter.com/TxRadSociety], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-radiological-society].

How Radiology Procedures are Valued

In today’s episode Dr. Melissa Chen, Associate Professor of Neuroradiology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, member of ACR Economics Commission and Council Steering Committee, and Treasurer of the Texas Radiological Society speaks with Dr. Zeke Silva on How Radiology Procedures are Valued.    Dr. Zeke Silva is a private practice radiologist at South Texas Radiology Group in San Antonio, Texas. He has been a leader in Healthcare Economics and Health Policy.  He is the first radiologist to serve as Chair of the American Medical Association's Relative Value Update Committee. In this episode, you will: •          Delve into the fascinating world of coding and valuation •          Learn how CPT codes are created •          Understand the rigorous process of the RUC in recommending values to CMS for provider services   Dr. Silva will also offer his perspectives on the recent critiques of the RUC process. The Texas Radiological Society (TRS) is a professional, medical society dedicated to serving, promoting and advancing the profession of radiology in Texas. Connect with TRS on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/TexasRadiologicalSociety], X [https://twitter.com/TxRadSociety], and LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-radiological-society].