title: VI. Uterine fibroid embolization: developing a clinical service.
abstract: Building a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) practice can be a complex process. Choices must be made regarding whether to align oneself with a gynecologist or to accept direct referrals. For the interventional radiologist, the responsibilities of evaluation and patient care pose unique and time-consuming administrative and clinical challenges. Physician extenders, either nurse practitioners or physician's assistants, play key roles as clinical coordinators by guiding the patient through the medical system and making certain that she is cleared for the procedure medically and logistically. In some settings, they may also assist in many of the technical aspects of the procedure and postoperative care. Interventional radiologists must be prepared for battles with insurance companies and be willing to go through the appeals process. Business officers must also be trained to properly code for the procedures to insure optimal reimbursement. The success of building a UFE practice may also be bolstered by directly marketing to patients and by providing them with access via the Internet.
authors.affiliation: Vascular and Interventional Section, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, 510 S Kingshighway Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
authors.forename: Howard B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Chrisman
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Keith M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Sterling
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vogelzang
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bonn
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Worthington-Kirsch
authors.forename: Scott C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Goodwin
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lipman
authors.forename: Gary P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Siskin
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Hovsepian
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising / Q000379:methods*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000628:therapy*; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D011871:Radiology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*