Over the last 2 decades, LP procedures on Medicare beneficiaries have increased, with radiology now the dominant overall provider. Although this trend may have relatively negative financial implications for radiology practices in current fee-for-service payment models, it has the potential to cement radiology's more central position through direct involvement in patient care in emerging accountable care organizations.

Based on the data collected from the responding practices, the demand for hiring radiologists in 2013 will be similar to 2012. Each of the 1,200 residents who complete their training programs each year should have a position available, but the job may not necessarily be in the subspecialty, geographic area, or type of practice that the individual desires.

No abstract

Nationally, 53.8% of MPFS payments for medical imaging services are made to nonradiologists, who claim a majority of MPFS payments in most states dominated by noninterpretive payments. This majority spending on nonradiologists may have implications in bundled and capitated payment models for radiology services. Medical imaging payment policy initiatives must consider the roles of all provider groups and associated regional variation.