The challenge of cost control

Specific steps are suggested to cope with the variable costs of diagnostic examinations and film use. More importantly, fixed costs which constitute most of the expenses in radiology, should also be controlled. Since nonphysician salaries are a large part of fixed costs, factors which affect productivity must be investigated and understood. Unfortunately, current regulatory and reimbursement procedures thwart efforts to improve productivity and control expenses.

Guide to grant applications

This article is designed to serve as a guide for those individuals interested in applying for federal government and/or private foundation grants in the radiologic sciences. The guide includes subject areas such as identifying funding sources; selecting the appropriate funding agency; tips for grant applications; a checklist for federal grant proposals; and a list of suggested readings presented in a ready reference outline format.

Undergraduate education in the cost-effective use of laboratory and radiological investigations in clinical decision-making

This paper describes a strategy for helping students to learn about laboratory and radiological investigations in diagnosis and management, and to make decisions about the use of investigations, taking into account such features as safety, patient comfort and cost. Learning takes place through the use of a programmed text, in which students commit decisions to paper, and then receive feedback on the results of their decisions. Acceptability to students and teaching staff has been evaluated, and future developments of the strategy are outlined.

Health Care Financing Administration--Medicare program; reimbursement for radiological services furnished to a hospital inpatient by a physician in the field of radiology. Final rule

These regulations define "radiological services" for which the Medicare program provides for payment at 100 percent of reasonable charges. Section 1833(2)(1)(B) of the Act provides for the 100 percent reimbursement for "radiological services" when furnished to hospital inpatients by physicians in the field of radiology. CUrrent administrative guidelines restrict the 100 percent reimbursement to services in which X-rays or rays from radioactive substances are used. Proposed regulations published on January 25, 1979 (44 FR 5162) would have extended the 100 percent reimbursement to other diagnostic imaging services such as ultrasound. On the basis of information acquired through public comments on the proposed regulations, we have concluded that there is not sufficient reason at this time to extend the 100 percent reimbursement to services not already so reimbursed. Accordingly, these regulations follow current operating instructions and define "radiological services" as those in which ionizing radiation is used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

The economics of computed tomography: comparison with other health care costs

The economic concern and controversy associated with the rise of computed tomography (CT) have been blown out of proportion. While CT is regarded by many people as an expensive procedure, in reality any increase in cost as the result of installation and continued use of a CT unit in the diagnostic radiology department is more than compensated for by the savings achieved by the concomitant reduction in other procedures, including exploratory surgery and angiography. Unless CT continues to be used in an increasing number of institutions and clinical situations, the potential savings from CT will not be realized.

Hospital-based physicians: current issues and descriptive evidence

Hospital-based physicians (HBPs) have been the recipients of considerable attention in health policy debates in recent years. This paper discusses issues and trends concerning HBPs and presents evidence on practice characteristics, compensation methods, and incomes of anesthesiologists, pathologists, and radiologists. Some comparisons with office-based MDs are included. The primary data source is composed of physician surveys sponsored by the Health Care Financing Administration and conducted by the National Opinion Research Center in 1977 and 1978. Findings generated from these surveys support past research showing that radiology is the most lucrative HBP specialty, followed by pathology and anesthesiology; hospital-based practice tends to be considerably more lucrative than office-based practice, taken as a whole. Survey findings are discussed in light of current policy developments in the health services sector.