Experts see big implications for radiology in federal clinical decision support efforts

(DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING) -- Most of the talk about changes in healthcare as it relates to radiology center on Medicare reimbursement levels. However, one piece that is yet to be discussed extensively but that has huge implications for radiology is clinical decision support. As Diagnostic Imaging previously reported, computer physician order entry/clinical decision support (CPOE DS) is a tool that helps primary care physicians ascertain what test to order for their patients and circumvent the need for radiology benefit managers. Prior authorization for an exam is given in real-time with CPOE DS because the tool is based on appropriateness criteria, through an electronic rating instrument. Primary care physicians are not allowed to order tests helter-skelter; they are guided to order the proper test through a series of questions they answer electronically. The healthcare bill now being discussed by Congress doesn’t mention radiology benefit managers (RBMs), despite their inclusion in the president’s budget recommendations. Credit for this goes to the Imaging e-Ordering Coalition, a group of healthcare providers, technology companies, and diagnostic imaging organizations that has been meeting with members of Congress regularly since June.

See full article and related articles at DiagnosticImaging.com

This article was republished with permission from CMPMedica, LLC