Effective and basic business strategic tools to overcome the DRA impact in outpatient imaging centers

The implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 has had adverse impacts with freestanding imaging centers and independent diagnostic testing facilities (IDTF) throughout the nation, including patient's access to quality imaging as well as crippling an organization's bottom line. Basic but effective business strategic tools should be formulated and executed to overcome the negative impact of the DRA. This should include creative and innovative process improvement initiatives while reducing operational costs and optimizing staff, thus improving profitability. Radiology administrators should act as facilitators to articulate and instill the mission, core values, and vision of the organization to the staff. Equally important, leaders in the imaging industry need to manifest a strong commitment in bringing the center into a whole new paradigm shift towards excellence and effective business operations.