Cuts in Imaging Payments Will Deepen Over Time

The bill is an “intermediate fix,” said Dr. Jonathan D. Leffert, chair of the legislative and regulatory committee of AACE and an endocrinologist in Dallas. But if passed, it would offer a significant improvement in the payment situation, he said, and allow physicians to at least consider continuing to provide in-office imaging services.

The bottom line is that these imaging technologies have become the standard of care in the office, said Dr. R. Mack Harrell, chair of the AACE socioeconomics committee and an endocrinologist in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. But physicians are fully aware of the cost issues involved and are not in favor of the uncontrolled use of in-office imaging, he said. In fact, groups like AACE are trying to help by certifying and licensing members who perform ultrasound and DXA in their offices. “We're not in favor of the unrestrained use of these technologies,” Dr. Harrell said.