In order to improve radiology practice in the United States, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) presented the 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) Proposed Rule. The rule includes a number of procedures which will be implemented in 2011.
Among those procedures, Sustainable Growth Rate Formula (SGR) and its Effects the Conversion Factor. According to the new role, Medicare is to use the SGR formula in order to determine the growth in utilization of Medicare services and expenses. Another issue discussed by the new role is Equipment Utilization Rate; the Congress has produced an act which states that equipment utilization rate is to be 75% for all diagnostic imaging systems that its price is more than $1 million. Among the affect diagnostic imaging systems are CT and MRI in addition to CT angiography devices. MPFS also discussed Multiple Procedural Reduction Payment Reduction Rule (MPPR); which is going to affect several diagnostic imaging systems such as CT, MRI and ultrasound, by changing the payment reduction from 25% to 50%.
Misvalued Procedures were another issue highlighted in the MPFS. CMS is to design methods for detecting misvalued services in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Moreover, the role is discussing Prices for High-Cost Supplies; CMS aims to create a refined process in order to update the prices of high cost supplies according to the MPFS role. CMS also is to rebase the medical economic index (MEI); a tool used to determine the update on sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula and then the conversion factor. The last update on MEI was back in 2003. By announcing the 2011 MPFS role, CMS aims to improve the conditions for better radiology practice in the United States.