Trends in Diagnostic Imaging Utilization among Medicare and Commercially Insured Adults from 2003 through 2016.

Background Trends in noninvasive diagnostic imaging (NDI) utilization rates have predominantly been reported in Medicare enrollees. To the authors' knowledge, there has been no prior direct comparison of utilization rates between Medicare and commercially insured patients. Purpose To analyze trends in NDI utilization rates by modality, comparing Medicare fee-for-service and commercially insured enrollees. Materials and Methods This study was a retrospective trend analysis of NDI performed between 2003 and 2016 as reported in claims databases for all adults enrolled in fee-for-service Medicare and for roughly 9 million commercially insured patients per year. The commercially insured patients were divided into two populations: those aged 18-44 years and those aged 45-64 years. The same procedure code definitions for NDI were applied to both Medicare and commercial claims, rates were calculated per 1000 enrollees, and trends were reported over time in aggregate followed by modality (CT, MRI, nuclear imaging, echocardiography, US, radiography). Join-point regression was used to model annual rates and to identify statistically significant (P < .05) changes in trends. Results In almost all instances, Medicare enrollees had the highest utilization rate for each modality, followed by commercially insured patients aged 45-64 years, then aged 18-44 years. All three populations showed utilization growth through the mid to late 2000s (images per 1000 enrollees per year for Medicare: 91 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 34, 148]; commercially insured patients aged 45-64 years: 158 [95% CI: 130, 186]; aged 18-44 years: 83 [95% CI: 69, 97]), followed by significant declining trends from the late 2000s through early 2010s (images per 1000 enrollees per year for Medicare: -301 [95% CI: -510, -92]; commercially insured patients aged 45-64 years: -54 [95% CI: -69, -39]; aged 18-44 years: -26 [95% CI: -31, -21]) coinciding with code-bundling events instituted by Medicare (CT, nuclear imaging, echocardiography). There were significant trend changes in modalities without code bundling (MRI, radiography, US), although flat trends mostly were exhibited. After the early 2010s, there were significant trend changes largely showing flat utilization growth. The notable exception was a significant trend change to renewed growth of CT imaging among commercially insured patients aged 45-64 years and Medicare enrollees after 2012, although at half the prior rate (images per 1000 enrollees per year for Medicare: 17 [95% CI: 6, 28]; commercially insured patients aged 45-64 years: 11 [95% CI: 2, 20]). Conclusion Noninvasive diagnostic imaging utilization trends among commercially insured individuals are similar to those in Medicare enrollees, although at lower rates. Earlier rapid growth has ceased and, except for CT, utilization has stabilized since the early 2010s. © RSNA, 2019 See also the editorial by Hentel and Wolk in this issue.

Advanced Imaging Interpretation by Radiologists and Nonradiologist Physicians: A Training Issue.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which nonradiologist physicians provide formal interpretations for advanced imaging and to consider whether adequate training can be achieved for those physicians. This investigation assumed that hospitals are the only places where formal imaging training occurs. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files (PSPSMFs) of the Medicare Part B datasets for 2015 were reviewed. We selected the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for four categories of noninvasive diagnostic imaging: CT, MRI, PET, and general nuclear imaging. Medicare place-of-service codes allowed us to determine the location of each study interpretation. We narrowed our analysis to data from the three major hospital places of service: inpatient facilities, hospital outpatient departments, and emergency departments. Provider specialties were determined using Medicare's 108 specialty codes. Procedure volumes among nonradiologist physicians were compared with those among radiologists. RESULTS. Of the 17,824,297 hospital-based CT examinations performed in the Medicare fee-for-service population, radiologists interpreted 17,698,360 (99.29%) and nonradiologists interpreted 125,937 (0.71%). Of the 4,512,627 MRI examinations performed, radiologists interpreted 4,469,275 (99.04%) and nonradiologist physicians interpreted 43,352 (0.96%). Of 391,688 PET studies performed, radiologists interpreted 368,913 (94.19%) and nonradiologist physicians interpreted 22,775 (5.81%). Of the 2,070,861 general nuclear medicine studies performed, radiologists interpreted 1,307,543 (63.14%) and nonradiologist physicians interpreted 763,318 (36.86%). Cardiologists had the largest involvement of nonradiologist physicians, contributing approximately 3% of all advanced imaging interpretations. All other nonradiologist physicians interpreted a tiny fraction of advanced imaging studies. CONCLUSION. Besides radiologists and cardiologists, no other medical specialty provides sufficient education for their trainees and practitioners in advanced imaging interpretation to justify allowing them to interpret these studies in practice, except under carefully controlled circumstances.

Recent Trends in Endovascular and Surgical Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Medicare Population.

OBJECTIVE. Although radiologists developed endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the 1960s, vascular surgeons and cardiologists have become increasingly involved in its application. The purpose of this study was to examine utilization trends in endovascular and surgical treatment of PAD in recent years in the Medicare population. CONCLUSION. Surgical treatment of PAD has decreased each year from 2011 to 2016, whereas endovascular treatment has increased each year. By 2016, Medicare patients who needed revascularization for PAD were more than four times as likely to undergo endovascular as they were to undergo surgical treatment. Between 2011 and 2016, radiologists, vascular surgeons, and cardiologists all increased their endovascular volume, but by 2016, vascular surgeons and cardiologists performed three of every four endovascular procedures for the Medicare population. While only 12% of the total endovascular procedures for PAD were performed in 2016, radiology has grown its procedural volume each year from 2011 through 2016.

The Increasing Use of Emergency Department Imaging in the United States: Is It Appropriate?

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to study trends in utilization of imaging in emergency departments (ED) in relation to trends in ED visits and the specialties of the interpreting physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study was conducted with Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files for 2004-2016 and Health Care Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) data from 2006 to 2014. Yearly utilization was calculated per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries for different noninvasive imaging modalities performed during ED visits, and the specialties of the physicians making the interpretations were recorded. The number of ED visits by Medicare patients was obtained from the HCUP. RESULTS. The number of ED visits by Medicare fee-for-service patients increased 8.0% (from 20.0 million in 2006 to 21.6 million in 2014), and the total number of associated ED imaging examinations increased 38.4% (14.6 million to 20.2 million). The number of imaging examinations per ED visit was 0.73 in 2006, increasing to 0.94 by 2014. Utilization trends per 1000 Medicare fee-for-service enrollees in the ED for the major modalities were as follows: CT +153.0% (77.8 in 2004 to 196.7 in 2016), noncardiac ultrasound +134% (11.2 in 2004 to 26.2 in 2016), and radiography +30% (259 in 2004 to 336 in 2016). Utilization of MRI and nuclear medicine was very low. In 2016, radiologists interpreted 99.5% (CT), 99.2% (MRI), 98.0% (radiography), 87.6% (ultrasound), and 94.5% (nuclear medicine) of imaging examinations. CONCLUSION. Utilization of imaging in EDs is increasing not only in the Medicare population but also per ED visit. Radiologists strongly predominate in interpreting examinations in all modalities.

Neurointerventional Radiology for the Aspiring Radiology Resident: Current State of the Field and Future Directions.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to document recent trends in stroke intervention at a tertiary-care facility with a comprehensive stroke center and to analyze current procedure volumes and the employment of specialty providers in neurointerventional radiology (NIR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional trends in the volume of mechanical thrombectomy were analyzed on the basis of the number of patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy from 2013 to 2017. To evaluate the current status of mechanical thrombectomy volumes in the United States, the number of patients in the Medicare fee-for-service database who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in 2016 was assessed. The specialty backgrounds of the various providers who performed mechanical thrombectomy were analyzed. Procedure volumes for intracranial stenting, embolization, and vertebral augmentation procedures were assessed. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2017, the total numbers of mechanical thrombectomy procedures for acute ischemic stroke were 19 in 2013 and 111 in 2017. The total volume of mechanical thrombectomy procedures in the Medicare fee-for-service population in 2016 was 7479. For intracranial endovascular procedures, 20,850 were performed in the U.S. Medicare population in 2015 and 22,511 in 2016. Radiologists performed 45% of procedures in 2016; neurosurgeons, 41%; and neurologists, 11%. When the total numbers of percutaneous brain and spine procedures were combined, radiologists performed 41%; neurosurgeons, 23%; and neurologists, 3%. In 2016, there were a total of 220 active NIR staff at the NIR programs with rotating residents or fellows. In these programs, 49% of staff members were neuroradiologists, 41% were neurosurgeons, and 10% were neurologists. Of the 72 NIR departments with confirmed rotating fellows or residents, 14 had only neuroradiologists on staff, six had only neurosurgeons, and one had only neurologists. CONCLUSION: Increasing radiology resident interest and participation in NIR should ensure a steady influx of radiologists into the field, continuing the strong tradition of radiology participation, leadership, and innovation in NIR.

Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement and Retrieval Rates among Radiologists and Nonradiologists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and retrieval rates among radiologists, vascular surgeons, cardiologists, other surgeons, and all other health care providers for Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in the years 2012-2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nationwide Medicare Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files were used to determine the volume and utilization rate of IVC filter placement, IVC filter repositioning, and IVC filter retrieval, which correspond to procedure codes 37191, 37192, and 37193, respectively. Procedural code 37193 was not available before 2012, so data were reviewed for the years 2012-2015. RESULTS: The total volume of Medicare IVC filter placement decreased from 57,785 in 2012 to 44,378 in 2015, with radiologists responsible for 60% of all filter placements. Volume of IVC filter placement declined across all specialties, including radiologists, who placed 33,744 in 2012 and 27,957 in 2015. In contrast, total retrieval of IVC filters increased from 4,060 removals in 2012 to 6,166 in 2015. Retrieval rate per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries increased from 11 in 2012 to 16 in 2015. Radiologists removed the bulk of the filters: 64% in both 2012 and 2015. Vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and other surgeons retrieved, respectively, 20%, 10%, and 5% of all IVC filters in 2012 and 22%, 9%, and 5% in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: From 2012 to 2015, IVC filter placement steadily decreased across all specialties. Retrieval rate of IVC filters continued to rise over the same period. Radiologists were responsible for the majority of IVC filter placements and retrievals.

Coronary CT Angiography: Use in Patients With Chest Pain Presenting to Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE: Previously published reports have shown that coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is a more efficient method of diagnosis than myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and stress echocardiography for patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) with acute chest pain. In light of this evidence, the objective of this study was to examine recent trends in the use of these techniques in EDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nationwide Medicare Part B databases for 2006-2015 were the data source. The Current Procedural Terminology, version 4, codes for CCTA, MPI, and stress echocardiography were selected. Medicare place-of-service codes were used to determine procedure volumes in EDs. Medicare specialty codes were used to ascertain how many of these examinations were interpreted by radiologists, cardiologists, and other physicians as a group. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2015, there was essentially no change in the number of MPI examinations performed in EDs for patients using Medicare (22,342 in 2006, 22,338 in 2015) or in the number of stress echocardiograms (3544 in 2006, 3520 in 2015). By contrast, the number of CCTA examinations increased rapidly, from 126 in 2006 to 1919 in 2015 (compound annual growth rate, 35%). Despite this rapid growth, patients in EDs underwent 11.6 times as many MPI as CCTA examinations in 2015. In that last year of the study, radiologists interpreted 78% of ED MPI and 83% of ED CCTA examinations. CONCLUSION: Use of CCTA in EDs has increased rapidly, but far more MPI examinations are still being performed. This finding suggests that recently acquired evidence is not yet being fully acted upon.

Screening Mammography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Utilization Updates.

OBJECTIVE: There have been many recent developments in breast imaging, including the 2009 revision of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's breast cancer screening guidelines and the approval of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for clinical use in 2011. The objective of this study is to evaluate screening mammography utilization trends among the Medicare population from 2005 to 2015 and examine the volume of DBT studies performed in 2015, the first year for which procedural billing codes for DBT are available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed national Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary master files from 2005 to 2015, to determine the annual utilization rate of screening mammography on the basis of procedure codes used for film-screen and digital screening mammography. We also used the Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary master files to determine the volume of screening and diagnostic DBT studies performed in 2015. RESULTS: The utilization rate of screening mammography per 1000 women in the Medicare fee-for-service population increased gradually every year, from 311.5 examinations in 2005 to a peak of 322.9 examinations in 2009, representing a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. In 2010, the utilization rate abruptly decreased by 4.3% to 309.2 examinations, and it has not since recovered to pre-2010 levels. In 2015, 18.9% of screening and 16.2% of diagnostic digital mammography examinations included DBT as an add-on procedure. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the annual increase in screening mammography utilization from 2005 to 2009, an abrupt sustained decline in screening occurred beginning in 2010, coinciding with the release of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. DBT utilization was somewhat limited in 2015, occurring in conjunction with less than 20% of digital mammography examinations.

Evaluation of the Anterior Talofibular Ligament via Stress Sonography in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Populations.

OBJECTIVES: Sonography during externally applied stress has the potential to identify ligamentous instability, but diagnostic parameters for the most commonly sprained ankle ligament, the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), have not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to determine normative values of the change in the length of the ATFL in an asymptomatic population during manual stress sonography and to compare these values to those in patients with clinical findings of anterolateral ankle instability. METHODS: Sonography of the ATFL at rest and with maximally applied manual stress was performed bilaterally in 20 asymptomatic volunteers from each of three 10-year age groups from 20 to 50 years. Data were compared to those for 34 patients retrospectively identified who underwent stress sonography of the ATFL for clinical signs and symptoms of chronic anterolateral ankle instability. RESULTS: In the asymptomatic population (10 men and 10 women), for men, the mean change in ATFL length between stress and neutral positions was 0.44 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.57 mm). For women, it was 0.43 mm (95% CI, 0.31-0.55 mm). The difference in laxity between sexes was not significant (P = .85). In the symptomatic population, the mean ATFL length difference between stress and neutral positions was 1.26 mm (95% CI, 0.97-1.55 mm). A t test comparing the mean change in ATFL length showed a statistically significant increase in laxity in the symptomatic group (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The normal ATFL shows minimal laxity in both men and women on stress sonography, with significantly greater laxity among patients with ankle instability. Given these findings, stress sonography may have an important role in the imaging diagnosis of anterolateral ankle instability.

Imaging Surveillance in Patients After a Benign Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid: Associated Cost and Incidence of Subsequent Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine patterns and cost of imaging tumor surveillance in patients after a benign fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the thyroid in a large teaching hospital as well as the rate of subsequent cancer detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cohort study was approved by the appropriate institutional review board and complied with HIPAA. All patients who had a benign thyroid FNA biopsy between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2003, were identified from an institutional pathology database. We gathered information from electronic medical records on imaging tumor surveillance and subsequent cancer detection. Cost was determined using the facility total relative value unit and the 2014 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System conversion factor. RESULTS: Between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2003, 1685 patients had a benign thyroid FNA biopsy, 800 (47.5%) of whom underwent follow-up imaging. These patients underwent 2223 thyroid ultrasound examinations, 606 ultrasound-guided thyroid FNA biopsies, 78 thyroid scintigraphy examinations, 168 neck CTs, and 53 neck MRIs at a cost of $529,874, $176,157, $39,622, $80,580, and $53,114, respectively, for a total cost of $879,347 or $1099 per patient. The mean length of follow-up was 7.3 years, during which time 19 (2.4%) patients were diagnosed with thyroid cancer at a cost of $46,281 per cancer. Seventeen (89.5%) were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma and two (10.5%) with Hurthle cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Over a 5-year period, about half of the patients who had a benign thyroid FNA biopsy underwent follow-up imaging at considerable cost with a small rate of subsequent malignancy.

Association of Gluteus Medius and Minimus Muscle Atrophy and Fall-Related Hip Fracture in Older Individuals Using Computed Tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine an association between fall-related hip and/or pelvic fractures and gluteus medius and minimus atrophy. METHODS: Retrospective review of 64 patients with fall-related hip/pelvic fractures and 96 age- and sex-stratified controls was performed. Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia lata, and iliopsoas atrophy was scored using a standard scale. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There is a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in gluteus medius and minimus atrophy in the fracture versus control groups. Presence of gluteus atrophy was predictive of fall-related fracture (odds ratio, 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-4.31). There is no significant difference in tensor fascia lata (P = 0.47) or iliopsoas (P = 0.15) atrophy between the 2 groups. Gluteus atrophy increased with age (r = 0.41, P < 0.0001). In unilateral fractures, there is a significant difference (P = 0.0002) in ipsilateral versus contralateral gluteus medius atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Gluteus medius and minimus muscle atrophy is greater in fall-related hip/pelvic fractures, which may predispose the elderly to falls.

Provider Distribution Changes in Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in the Medicare Population Over the Past Decade.

Both radiologists as well as nonimaging physicians perform dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) imaging in the United States. This study aims to compare provider distribution between these physician groups on the Medicare population, which is the predominant age group of patients evaluated by this imaging procedure. Using the 2 relevant Current Procedural Terminology, Fourth Edition codes for DXA scans, source data were obtained from the CMS Physician Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files from 2003 through 2013. DXA scan procedure volumes for radiologists and nonradiologists on Medicare patients were tabulated. Utilization rates were calculated. From 2003 to 2013, the total number of DXA scans performed on Medicare patients decreased by 2%. However, over the same period, the number of scans performed by radiologists had increased by 25% over nonimaging specialists, whose utilization had declined by approximately the same amount. From 2003 to 2013, the rate of utilization of DXA scans in the Medicare fee-for-service population declined somewhat. However, radiologists continue to gain market share from other specialists and now predominate in this type of imaging by a substantial margin.

Can anatomic level of injury on MRI predict neurological level in acute cervical spinal cord injury?

BACKGROUND: Determining neurological level of injury (NLI) is of paramount importance after spinal cord injury (SCI), although its accuracy depends upon the reliability of the neurologic examination. Here, we determine if anatomic location of cervical cord injury by MRI (MRI level of injury) can predict NLI in the acute traumatic setting. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of SCI patients with macroscopic evidence of cervical cord injury from non-penetrating trauma, all of whom had undergone cervical spine MRI and complete neurologic testing. The recorded MRI information included cord lesion type (intra-axial edema, hemorrhage) and MRI locations of upper and lower lesion boundary, as well as lesion epicenter. Pearson correlation and Bland-Altman analyses were used to assess the relationship between MRI levels of injury and NLI. RESULTS: All five MRI parameters, namely (1) upper and (2) lower boundaries of cord edema, (3) lesion epicenter, and (4) upper and (5) lower boundaries of cord hemorrhage demonstrated statistically significant, positive correlations with NLI. The MRI locations of upper and lower boundary of hemorrhage were found to have the strongest correlation with NLI (r = 0.72 and 0.61, respectively; p < 0.01). A weaker (low to moderate) correlation existed between lower boundary of cord edema and NLI (r = 0.30; p < 0.01). Upper boundary of cord hemorrhage on MRI demonstrated the best agreement with NLI (mean difference 0.03 ± 0.73; p < 0.01) by Bland-Altman analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MRI level of injury has the potential to serve as a surrogate for NLI in instances where the neurologic examination is either unavailable or unreliable.

Erratum to: Identifying decreased peristalsis of abnormal small bowel segments in Crohn's disease using cine MR enterography: the frozen bowel sign.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether affected bowel in Crohn's disease patients can be identified by observing decreased peristalsis (frozen bowel sign) using cine balanced steady-state free precession (cine BSSFP) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 radiologists independently reviewed cine BSSFP sequences from randomized MR Enterography (MRE) exams for 30 normal and 30 Crohn's disease patients, graded overall small bowel peristalsis from slowest to fastest, and graded peristalsis for the most abnormal small bowel segment. Sensitivity and specificity of the frozen bowel sign for diagnosing Crohn's disease were calculated. T tests of the peristalsis difference between abnormal segments and overall small bowel were conducted. RESULTS: For 5 readers, the sensitivity and specificity of cine BSSFP of the frozen bowel sign for diagnosing Crohn's disease ranged from 70% to 100% and 87% to 100%, respectively. There were significant differences in peristalsis between abnormal small bowel segments and the overall small bowel for Crohn's patients, but not in the overall small bowel between normal-MRE patients and Crohn's disease patients. CONCLUSION: Abnormal Crohn's small bowel segments have significantly decreased peristalsis compared to normal small bowel, which can be identified using cine BSSFP sequences as the frozen bowel sign.

Identifying decreased peristalsis of abnormal small bowel segments in Crohn's disease using cine MR enterography: the frozen bowel sign.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether affected bowel in Crohn's disease patients can be identified by observing decreased peristalsis (frozen bowel sign) using cine balanced steady-state free precession (cine BSSFP) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 5 radiologists independently reviewed cine BSSFP sequences from randomized MR Enterography (MRE) exams for 30 normal and 30 Crohn's disease patients, graded overall small bowel peristalsis from slowest to fastest, and graded peristalsis for the most abnormal small bowel segment. Sensitivity and specificity of the frozen bowel sign for diagnosing Crohn's disease were calculated. T tests of the peristalsis difference between abnormal segments and overall small bowel were conducted. RESULTS: For 5 readers, the sensitivity and specificity of cine BSSFP of the frozen bowel sign for diagnosing Crohn's disease ranged from 70% to 100% and 87% to 100%, respectively. There were significant differences in peristalsis between abnormal small bowel segments and the overall small bowel for Crohn's patients, but not in the overall small bowel between normal-MRE patients and Crohn's disease patients. CONCLUSION: Abnormal Crohn's small bowel segments have significantly decreased peristalsis compared to normal small bowel, which can be identified using cine BSSFP sequences as the frozen bowel sign.

Prevalence and pattern of gluteus medius and minimus tendon pathology and muscle atrophy in older individuals using MRI.

PURPOSE: To evaluate gluteus medius and minimus tendon pathology and muscle atrophy in older individuals using MRI. METHODS: A retrospective MRI study of 185 individuals was performed. The inclusion criterion was age ≥50. Exclusion criteria were hip surgery, fracture, infection, tumor, or inadequate image quality. Greater trochanteric bursitis was graded none, mild, moderate, or severe. Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and iliopsoas tendinopathy was graded normal, tendinosis, low-grade partial tear, high-grade partial tear, or full thickness tear. Gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia lata, and iliopsoas muscle atrophy was scored using a standard scale. Insertion site of tendinopathy and location of muscle atrophy were assessed. Descriptive and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: There was increasing greater trochanteric bursitis and gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy and atrophy with advancing age with moderate to strong positive associations (p < 0.0001) for age and tendinopathy, age and atrophy, bursitis and tendinopathy, and tendinopathy and atrophy for the gluteus medius and minimus. There is a weak positive association (p < 0.0001) for age and tensor fascia lata atrophy, and no statistically significant association between age and tendinopathy or between age and atrophy for the iliopsoas. Fisher's exact tests were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for insertion site of tendon pathology and location of muscle atrophy for the gluteus medius. CONCLUSIONS: Gluteus medius and minimus tendon pathology and muscle atrophy increase with advancing age with progression of tendinosis to low-grade tendon tears to high-grade tendon tears. There is an associated progression in atrophy of these muscles, which may be important in fall-related hip fractures.

Financial impact of Medicare code bundling of CT of the abdomen and pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: On January 1, 2011, the Current Procedural Terminology version 4 codes for CT of the abdomen and CT of the pelvis were bundled together. The relative value units attached to the new single codes were lower than the sum of the relative value units accruing to the two separate codes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of this new policy on Medicare part B reimbursements for these studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The nationwide 2001-2011 Medicare part B data files were used to select the codes for CT of the abdomen and pelvis before and after bundling occurred in 2011. Procedure volumes were ascertained, and utilization rates per 1000 Medicare beneficiaries were calculated. Aggregate Medicare reimbursements were determined, and Medicare specialty codes were used to determine the reimbursements to radiologists. RESULTS: In 2011, use of CT of the two body regions remained approximately the same as in 2010 (before bundling), but because the two codes were bundled into one in 2011, the actual rate per 1000 decreased from 277.1 to 148.1. Medicare reimbursements for CT of the abdomen and pelvis had risen steadily from 2001 to 2005 but remained relatively stable thereafter through 2010. However, in 2011 reimbursements decreased from $971.5 million the previous year to $687.0 million--a drop of $284.5 million (29%) in a single year. Radiologists experienced $218.6 million of this decrease. CONCLUSION: Code bundling of CT of the abdomen and CT of the pelvis resulted in a large reduction in reimbursements for imaging.

Cost and radiation savings of partial substitution of ultrasound for CT in appendicitis evaluation: a national projection.

OBJECTIVE: The costs of an ultrasound-CT protocol and a CT-only protocol for an appendicitis evaluation are compared. For the ultrasound-CT protocol, patients with right lower quadrant abdominal pain undergo an ultrasound examination. If it is positive for appendicitis, they are sent directly to surgery, avoiding CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative effectiveness research study was conducted. The costs of imaging tests, excess surgeries, and excess surgical deaths for the ultrasound-CT protocol and the costs of imaging tests and excess cancer deaths in the CT-only protocol were estimated. Data sources were Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) datasets, national hospital discharge surveys, radiology information system cases, and U.S. Census Bureau life tables. A meta-analysis and sensitivity analyses were also conducted. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed a positive predictive value of 92.5% for CT and 91.0% for ultrasound. Analysis of CMS files showed that utilization of CT was almost exactly 2.0 examinations (one abdominal and one pelvic) per patient and for ultrasound was almost nil. The cost of this imaging protocol was $547 per patient, whereas the cost of a limited ultrasound study would be $88 per patient. For the total U.S. population, the cost savings in imaging minus the cost of extra surgeries and extra surgical deaths is $24.9 million per year. Following model VII proposed by the Committee on the Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR), which is known as "BEIR VII," the avoidance of a 12.4-mSv exposure for 262,500 persons would prevent 180 excess cancer deaths. The value of the years of life lost would be $339.5 million. The sensitivity analyses indicate that the cost savings are robust. CONCLUSION: An ultrasound-CT protocol for appendicitis evaluation offers potentially large savings over the standard CT-only protocol. There are moderate savings from using a less expensive imaging technique despite extra surgeries and large savings from radiation exposure avoided.

Imaging algorithms for evaluating suspected rotator cuff disease: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound consensus conference statement.

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from a variety of medical disciplines to reach a consensus about the recommended imaging evaluation of painful shoulders with clinically suspected rotator cuff disease. The panel met in Chicago, Ill, on October 18 and 19, 2011, and created this consensus statement regarding the roles of radiography, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), CT arthrography, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and MR arthrography. The consensus panel consisted of two co-moderators, a facilitator, a statistician and health care economist, and 10 physicians who have specialty expertise in shoulder pain evaluation and/or treatment. Of the 13 physicians on the panel, nine were radiologists who were chosen to represent a broad range of skill sets in diagnostic imaging, different practice types (private and academic), and different geographical regions of the United States. Five of the radiologists routinely performed musculoskeletal US as part of their practice and four did not. There was also one representative from each of the following clinical specialties: rheumatology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedic surgery, and nonoperative sports medicine. The goal of this conference was to construct several algorithms with which to guide the imaging evaluation of suspected rotator cuff disease in patients with a native rotator cuff, patients with a repaired rotator cuff, and patients who have undergone shoulder replacement. The panel hopes that these recommendations will lead to greater uniformity in rotator cuff imaging and more cost-effective care for patients suspected of having rotator cuff abnormality.