Group wants new incentives for e-ordering imaging

Right now, there's a clear consensus that private and public health plans should reward the use of e-prescribing, which has been shown to improve safety and cut costs. Now, a group is arguing that these incentives should include rewards for electronically ordering diagnostic imaging tests, too.

The Imaging e-Ordering Coalition, which includes the Center for Diagnostic Imaging, GE Healthcare, Merge Healthcare and Nuance Communications, contends that e-ordering of imaging will simplify physicians' decisions are made and preserve the doctor-patient relationship, while still verifying that procedures are appropriate and safe.

While this sounds noble, the group's real goal is arguably to help stem the growing use of radiology benefits management, which many doctors see as intrusive and inappropriate. Meanwhile, it also wants to act as a resource for Medicare on an imaging demonstration project, and work with radiology interests to set standards for e-ordering technology and procedures.

To learn more about the coalition:
- read this Modern Healthcare item (reg. req.)