New Budget Reconciliation Act affects radiology.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy and Law
• Medical Economics
• Radiology Services

Background:

• The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 introduced significant modifications to Medicare regulations.
• Previous Medicare reimbursement principles for physicians and hospitals remain unchanged.
• The Act specifically targets outpatient radiology services for payment adjustments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the changes in Medicare law introduced by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
• To detail the impact of these changes on reimbursement for outpatient radiology services.
• To identify expansions in Medicare radiology coverage.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the provisions within the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990.
• Description of adjustments to Medicare payment calculations for radiology services.
• Identification of changes affecting both healthcare providers (physicians and hospitals) and patient coverage.

Main Results:

• The Act mandates a reduction in Medicare payments for most services, including outpatient radiology, effective 1991.
• Reimbursement adjustments are made within the existing fee schedule and cost reimbursement frameworks.
• Medicare coverage is expanded to include screening mammography services.

Conclusions:

• The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 significantly alters Medicare reimbursement for outpatient radiology.
• Physicians and hospitals will experience reduced payments for these services.
• The inclusion of screening mammography represents a key expansion of Medicare's radiology coverage.