Doctors Performing Own Scans
Many doctors today are investing in diagnostic imaging technology to have within their own office. As a result, the number of self-referred scans has increased in the past few years. Patients are being scanned in their physician's office immediately instead of waiting for a diagnostic center. Although this is more convenient for the patient, many critics believe that self-referral needs to be regulated.
The Washington Post found that one Iowa urologist increased from 8 scans prescribed to 55 scans. "The increase came in the months after the urologists bought their own CT scanner. Instead of referring patients to radiologists, the doctors started conducting their own imaging -- and drawing insurance reimbursements for each of those patients."
Another criticism of self-referral is the health risks associated. New studies show there may be a cancer risk if too many radiation scans are prescribed. The new democratic healthcare reform is addressing many issues and there may be more regulation in years to come.
