Medicare Payment for Imaging Services
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report entitled "Medicare Part B Imaging Services: Rapid Spending Growth and Shift to Physician Offices Indicate Need for CMS to Consider Additional Management Practices." The GAO found that from 2000 through 2006, Medicare spending for imaging services paid for under the physician fee schedule more than doubled, with spending rising particularly fast for advanced imaging services. The GAO recommends that CMS consider adding prior authorization requirements and other payment safeguards for imaging services.
