Sandeep Prakash Deshmukh MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Richard Earnest Sharpe MD, MBA, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Laurence Parker PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

David C. Levin MD, Abstract Co-Author: Consultant, HealthHelp Board of Directors, Outpatient Imaging Affiliates, LLC

Vijay Madan Rao MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this study was to analyze trends in the utilization of cardiac MRI in the Medicare population over a 13 year period. .

Nationwide Medicare Part B fee-for-service Physician Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files databases from 1996 through 2009 were reviewed.  Current Procedural Terminology® codes for cardiac MRI were selected (75552 through 75564).  Annual volume was analyzed by provider type using CMS specialty codes.  

Cardiac MRI procedure volume in the Medicare population grew from 916 in 1996 to 11849 in 2009, an 1194% increase, representing a compound annual growth rate of 22%. Utilization actually peaked in 2007, and has declined slightly in the last two years. The two largest groups utilizing cardiac MRI were radiologists and cardiologists. In 2009, cardiologists performed 6369 cardiac MRIs (54%); radiologists, 4835 (41%); and, all other specialties 645 (5%). This represents a compound annual growth rate of 32% for cardiologists and 17% for radiologists.

Cardiac MRI is a relatively new technique with potentially large benefits. Overall, it is surprising that the volume is so low given the various types of information cardiac MRI can provide. From 2001 to 2007, there was a very rapid increase in utilization. This represents the testing phase of a new technique. Since 2007, utilization has declined slightly. The technique is complicated, difficult, and time consuming, requiring a large skill set, and the last two years suggest it is coming to its limits of early adoption.

Advances in cardiac MRI have caused rapid growth in utilization from 1996 to 2007; however, since then there has been a slight decline, suggesting that it is approaching the limits of early adoption.

Deshmukh, S, Sharpe, R, Parker, L, Levin, D, Rao, V, Trends in the Utilization of Cardiac MRI in the Medicare Population.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11006723.html