For the first stage of cuts, which calls for an immediate $1 trillion over a decade in exchange for raising the debt ceiling by an additional $900 billion, imaging reimbursement was spared. But that might not be the case for the second stage, according to ACR.
President Obama and congressional lawmakers have agreed on major spending cuts as a part of the debt ceiling deal aimed at staving off a financial default.
The cuts are to happen in two stages. For the first stage, which calls for an immediate $1 trillion over a decade in exchange for raising the debt ceiling by an additional $900 billion, imaging reimbursement was spared. But that might not be the case for the second stage, according to ACR.
The second round of $1.4 to $1.5 trillion in cuts will be identified by a bipartisan “super committee” of House and Senate members. The group is expected to submit its recommendations at the end of November, and those recommendations could include cuts to Medicare, notes Aubrey Westgate at DI's sister publication, Physicians Practice.
“Although successful in averting any cuts associated with the initial $900 billion debt ceiling increase, ACR anticipates that the 12-member super committee undoubtedly will consider changes in Medicare physician reimbursement rates to cut costs,” according to the ACR. “Cuts to imaging will likely be part of a larger package of physician reimbursement reductions.”
If the committee doesn’t reach an agreement, $1.2 trillion in automatic cuts would be applied across the board, and Medicare would be included.
ACR vowed to continue educating lawmakers about “why further cuts to imaging are unnecessary and will adversely impact patient care.”
Have you been following the debt ceiling debate? Are you concerned it could impact imaging? Tell us what you think.
CT Study: AI Algorithm Comparable to Radiologists in Differentiating Small Renal Masses
May 14th 2024An emerging deep learning algorithm had a lower AUC and sensitivity than urological radiologists for differentiating between small renal masses on computed tomography (CT) scans but had a 21 percent higher sensitivity rate than non-urological radiologists, according to new research.
Appealing Prior Authorization Denials: Can it be Effective for Emerging Technologies?
May 14th 2024While radiologists and other providers may be discouraged by insurer denials saying the use of a technological advance is “unproven and investigational,” 82 percent of appeals for prior authorization denials were approved in 2021.
Current Insights and Emerging Roles for Contrast-Enhanced Mammography
May 10th 2024In a recent lecture at the 2024 ARRS Annual Meeting, Jordana Phillips, MD, discussed the role of contrast-enhanced mammography in staging breast cancer, evaluating response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and recalls from screening.