Diana L Lam1, Jonathan R Medverd. 1. 1 Both authors: Department of Radiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St, Mailbox 358280, Seattle, WA 98195.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To learn the impact of health care reform, it is important for radiologists to first understand basic administrative aspects of medicine. This article describes the processes of radiology billing, reimbursement, and the revenue cycle, which includes the importance of proper coding, the resource-based relative value scale, and accounts receivable. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the basics of medical practice management can help radiologists effectively provide optimal patient care. This article provides an overview of one component of this topic--the current radiology reimbursement system.
OBJECTIVE: To learn the impact of health care reform, it is important for radiologists to first understand basic administrative aspects of medicine. This article describes the processes of radiology billing, reimbursement, and the revenue cycle, which includes the importance of proper coding, the resource-based relative value scale, and accounts receivable. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the basics of medical practice management can help radiologists effectively provide optimal patient care. This article provides an overview of one component of this topic--the current radiology reimbursement system.