Of mice and men: escaping the relative value unit trap.
Although radiologists have kept pace with the dramatic growth of medical imaging during the past two decades through the use of PACS, digital dictation, and 3-dimensional reconstruction, radiology is approaching the point of diminishing returns. As reimbursements further decline, attempts to increase radiologists' productivity risk commoditization of the specialty. The continued evolution of US health care policy, however, presents an opportunity for radiologists, using their core competencies, to shape the future direction of medicine.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, New Jersey. Electronic address: lcsrad@hotmail.com.
Lawrence C
LC
Swayne
D004526:Efficiency; D006801:Humans; D011871:Radiology / Q000639:trends*; D015895:Relative Value Scales; D014481:United States; D016526:Workload
RBRVS; RVUs; Radiology; physician incentives; physician productivity; practice management; radiologists; socioeconomic issues