Evidence-based imaging guidelines and Medicare payment policy.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study examines the relationship between evidence-based appropriateness criteria for neurologic imaging procedures and Medicare payment determinations. The primary research question is whether Medicare is more likely to pay for imaging procedures as the level of appropriateness increases.

Data sources

The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (ACRAC) for neurological imaging, ICD-9-CM codes, CPT codes, and payment determinations by the Medicare Part B carrier for Florida and Connecticut.

Study design

Cross-sectional study of appropriateness criteria and Medicare Part B payment policy for neurological imaging. In addition to descriptive and bivariate statistics, multivariate logistic regression on payment determination (yes or no) was per

SUBMITTER: Sistrom CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2442247 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature