Economics adiology is a specialty very familiar with technological advancements and change, states Richard Fleury, Executive Director, HSS Radiologists. Radiologists have been pioneers in healthcare delivery and early adopters of different methodologies to provide care to patients and consultative services to Referring Physicians. The growth in diagnostic imaging at academic centers like HSS is a direct result of the reliance on these services to provide optimal patient outcomes. In 2010, we experienced another great year of unprecedented growth exceeding expectations for the seventh straight year. However, with rapid growth comes pressure to reduce the overall cost of imaging services, so much so that imaging was the only Physician specialty targeted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.
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Radiology as a whole needs to once again be ahead of the game and be leaders in defining healthcare decision-making for the future. Right now there are many debates occurring that may affect the way we will provide services in the future. There is no doubt we will soon be faced as a Department with various delivery models and competitive pressures. The use of decision support software or Radiology Benefit Managers (RBMs) to aid in appropriate ordering practices, MU (meaningful use) of patient data, formation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to cut costs and closing the Stark loophole with the help of the newly formed Self-Referral Coalition are all aimed at reducing utilization of imaging. Imaging providers are faced with the need to become ACR accredited to appeal to patient expectations of quality and public concerns over radiation safety and dose. HSS rises to challenges no matter how large. With our strong partnerships with Hospital leadership and support of our vendors and supply partners, we are working in a proactive way to avoid any challenges with government and regulatory organizations. Our relentless efforts in this area of the ever-changing healthcare environment help us to ensure that we consistently deliver quality patient care. The Department of Radiology and Imaging and the HSS Radiologists serve a central and indispensible role in the diagnosis and treatment of Orthopaedic and Rheumatic diseases at HSS. Now, more than ever, it is important that the public and our patients be educated on what academic Radiology and Imaging providers do through research, teaching and clinical services and the overall positive effect on patient well-being and outcomes. It is my sincere hope that this document and the amazing quotes by our Referring Physician providers and grateful patients serves as a testament to these efforts. 22
HSS Department of Radiology and Imaging
Richard Fleury, Executive Director, HSS Radiologists.
Number of Procedures 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
179,111 183,322 194,459 216,105 235,834 247,630