HAP Radiology Billing and Coding Blog

The use of teleradiology services was originally framed around the need for a better lifestyle, usually to supplement a radiology group for its call obligation. Teleradiology reading was almost always ‘preliminary,’ with final reports generated by the regular staff, and it was always an expense to the practice that was deemed worthwhile to avoid having to provide night and weekend coverage by the regular staff. Today, the picture has changed to the point where teleradiology services are providing final reports and they have become an indispensable part of the practice that has shifted from a cost center to a profit center.

At around this time last year we were beginning to learn about the various ways medical practices could make use of federal programs to help keep them afloat through the COVID-19 pandemic. No one knew how long it would last. As time went on, we followed the changes to those programs, the new programs that became available, and the deadlines for action. Let’s review the latest federal legislation and also where each of last year’s relief programs stands today, especially the Medicare Payment Sequester that is a developing story.

This article was updated on
April 14, 2020. 

Medicare has temporarily opened up the ability for physicians to provide medical care to patients without the need for them to be in the same physical location.  Beginning  March 2020 and continuing through the end of the current COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), the rules for providing telehealth services have been relaxed.  Is there any opportunity for radiologists to use telemedicine in their practice? 

Radiologists considering the use of an outside service for final reads will have questions that include not only quality and cost but also the impact on the group’s relationship with its hospital and referring physician community. The answer will not be the same for every radiology practice.  Here we present some of the pros and cons for consideration in the decision-making process.