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Trends in Cardiovascular MRI and CT in the U.S. Medicare Population from 2012 to 2017
James W Goldfarb1, Jonathan Weber1
1Department of Research and Education, St Francis Hospital & Heart Center, 100 Port Washington Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576.
Insights
Cardiovascular MRI and CT practitioner numbers and usage are increasing in the US, though still less frequent than other imaging methods. This trend shows growth in cardiovascular imaging services.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Medical Practice Analysis
Background:
- Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are crucial diagnostic tools.
- Understanding practitioner trends is vital for healthcare planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and trends of cardiovascular MRI and CT practitioners and their practice patterns in the United States.
- To identify changes in provider numbers, demographics, and reimbursement over time.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Medicare Part B physician payment data from 2012-2017.
- Examined provider numbers, examination volumes, provider sex and location, and reimbursement for cardiovascular MRI and CT.
- Calculated means, standard deviations, and annual changes.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in cardiovascular MRI (84.8%) and CT (77.3%) providers from 2012 to 2017.
- Provider demographics showed low percentages of women (18.0% MRI, 13.3% CT) and specialists (radiologists/cardiologists).
- Both cardiovascular MRI (75.5%) and CT (97.4%) utilization saw substantial growth.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular MRI and CT availability and use are growing.
- Despite growth, these modalities are used less frequently than other cardiovascular imaging techniques.
- Further research into adoption rates and comparative effectiveness is warranted.
Purpose:
To assess the characteristics and trends of cardiovascular MRI and CT practitioners and practice in the United States.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 2012-2017 Medicare Part B physician payments from the Provider Utilization and Payment Data Physician and Other Supplier Public Use Files (POSPUF) was performed. Characteristics of cardiovascular MRI and CT, including the number of providers and examinations, provider sex and location, and physician reimbursement were analyzed. Variable means, standard deviations, and changes per year were reported and compared.
Results:
In 2017, 582 physicians provided cardiovascular MRI services in 45 states, a 16.6% increase from 2016 and an 84.8% increase from 2012. A total of 1645 physicians provided cardiovascular CT services in 49 states, a 14.2% increase from 2016 and a 77.3% increase from 2012. Of the providers, 18.0% and 13.3% of cardiovascular MRI and CT providers were women, respectively, similar to providers' respective medical specialties. Only 1.0% of radiologists and 0.2% of cardiologists provided cardiovascular MRI services. A total of 3.2% of radiologists and 0.5% of cardiologists provided cardiovascular CT services. Both cardiovascular MRI use (+75.5%) and cardiovascular CT use (+97.4%) increased markedly over the 6-year study period.
Conclusion:
Although the availability of cardiovascular MRI and CT is increasing, both are used less frequently in comparison with other cardiovascular imaging modalities.See also the commentary by Bierhals in this issue.Supplemental material is available for this article.© RSNA, 2021.
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