Simcha B. Rimler MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Deborah L. Reede MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Brian David Gale MD, Abstract Co-Author: Board Member, SaferMD, LLC

Teaching Points After viewing this exhibit you will understand the: 1. Historical context of federal payments for healthcare 2. Relevance of DRG to patient care and physician/ hospital reimbursement 3. Potential future of the federal reimbursement system 

Changes in the Federal government's 2014 Final Rule will have an important impact on Medicare reimbursement for imaging studies, particularly CT and MR. Radiologists are responsible for the education of clinicians and patients about diagnostic imaging services. This encompasses both the clinical and economic impact of their imaging decisions. Therefore, radiologists must be familiar with diagnostic related groups (DRGs) to understand their impact on patient care and service reimbursements for in-patient procedures. This exhibit begins with a pre-test of open ended questions about DRG’s and the prospective payments system. Using a sample patient we demonstrate the new payment methodology and how different decisions (i.e. choice of hospital, co-morbidities, complications, length of stay and unnecessary studies) affect hospital and professional financial results. A post-test is included to reinforce the salient teaching points.

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14002906/14002906_gfnd.pdf

Rimler, S, Reede, D, Gale, B, Do Radiologist Get $? DRGs and the Federal Reimbursement System.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14002906.html