Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
06:16
Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease
Published on: August 9, 2024
Who gets paid for diagnostic imaging, and how much?
David C Levin1, Vijay M Rao, Laurence Parker
1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA. david.levin@mail.tju.edu
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
|April 7, 2007
Summary
Radiologists receive about half of Medicare Part B payments for noninvasive diagnostic imaging, while cardiologists receive nearly a quarter. Cardiologist payments are increasing faster than any other group, including radiologists.
Area of Science:
- Health Economics
- Medical Imaging
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Medicare Part B payments fund physician services for diagnostic imaging.
- Understanding payment distribution is crucial for healthcare policy and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Medicare Part B payment distribution for noninvasive diagnostic imaging.
- To track payment trends among different medical specialties over a five-year period.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationwide Medicare Part B data from 1997-2002.
- Categorized imaging studies and physician specialties to calculate payment shares.
- Determined percentage changes in payments between 1997 and 2002.
Main Results:
- In 2002, Medicare Part B paid $7.7 billion for noninvasive diagnostic imaging.
- Radiologists received 48.3% and cardiologists 22.8% of payments.
- Cardiologist payments increased by 105%, significantly outpacing radiologists' 65% rise.
Conclusions:
- Radiologists receive approximately half of diagnostic imaging reimbursements.
- Cardiologists are receiving a substantial and rapidly growing portion of these payments.
- Payment growth for cardiologists significantly exceeds that for radiologists.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
01:24X-ray Imaging
German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen (1845–1923) was experimenting with electrical current when he discovered that a mysterious and invisible "ray" would pass through his flesh but leave an outline of his bones on a screen coated with a metal compound. In 1895, Röntgen made the first durable record of the internal parts of a living human: an "X-ray" image (as it came to be called) of his wife’s hand. Scientists worldwide quickly began their own experiments with X-rays, and by 1900, X-ray was widely...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Description
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:10Computed Tomography
Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...