The payment program spent $484 million on 15 different low-value imaging services, a figure that balloons to $584 million when factoring for out-of-pocket costs.  

CMS is seeking to cut unnecessary use of certain IR services in Medicare, such as image-guided decompression of the spine, epidural steroid injections and percutaneous vertebral augmentation.  

Experts are suggesting three solutions to address low-value thyroid imaging orders, including clinical decision support and education. 

Voluntary reporting started in January, while mandatory compliance is slated to begin in 2027, experts write in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.  

Under the proposal, Medicare would add an interventional radiology payment pathway, creating a new reporting framework for IRs as part of MIPS.

Variable technologist training and skill levels, inconsistent onboarding and training, “constant” turnover, and a high number of unfilled positions all have contributed. 

“Leaders in radiology must prioritize embedding a culture of feedback within their institutions, recognizing its crucial role in continuous improvement," experts charge. 

About 50% of cases are diagnosed early when treatment is most effective, with the hospital system hoping to reach 75% by 2028. 

SDM "is more than just a billing requirement—it’s a valuable opportunity to engage patients," says radiologist Farouk Dako, MD, MPH. 

OSU Medical Center has addressed common challenges including insufficient documentation, miscommunication, and the risk of repeat imaging. 

Education and other initiatives helped cut the rate of radiologist recommendations for additional imaging by 44% compared to a control site.