Interventional radiology is among the top four physician group specialties with the greatest growth in medical claims volume, according to new data.

The specialty saw an 83% uptick in billing between 2018 and 2022, publicly traded data and analytics firm Definitive Healthcare reported June 1. That places IR behind only hospice and palliative care (786%), pediatric rheumatology (544%) and preventive medicine (125%).

Nuclear medicine also cracked the top eight, logging 55% growth in the number of claims submitted during the five-year period. The findings are derived from Definitive Healthcare’s all-payer claims database and its PhysicianGroupView, which tracks more than 122,000 provider entities.

“The healthcare industry is rapidly changing, and physician groups are not exempt from these changes,” Definitive Healthcare noted. “Consolidation and increased ownership of physician groups by private equity firms are two trends impacting these practices nationwide. Clinicians may sell their practices due to the competitive landscape, the need for capital, financial uncertainty, high purchase prices, or all of the above.”

Others rounding out the top eight include dietician/nutritionists (up 64%), geriatric medicine specialists (57%), and massage therapists (56%).

According to Definitive Healthcare data, there was a 67% increase in unique patients seen by physician groups specializing in interventional radiology between 2018-2022. More individuals are seeking out IR services, creating rising claims volume, said Rachel Kolbin-Gupp, MBA, senior marketing data analyst. 
 
"That growth may be due to an increase in minimally invasive procedures and innovations in imaging technologies such as AI/VR," she told Radiology Business Thursday. "An increase in chronic diseases such as cancer also may be driving the growth as CT scanners and MRI procedures become more in demand."

The analysis also offered insights into the top three specialties on the list. Definitive Healthcare noted that the surge in hospice and palliative care is likely driven by the aging population. It’s also a newer physician specialty, with growth anticipated as the supply of clinicians increases. Experts, meanwhile, have predicted rising demand for pediatric rheumatology by 2030. An increased focus on value-based care is likely spurring interest in preventive medicine.

“Additionally, the increase of health maintenance organization insurance plans offered by employers may be contributing to this growth as HMOs require the patient to establish care with a primary care provider before obtaining a specialist referral,” Definitive Healthcare noted.