Study: Value of increased musculoskeletal ultrasound use by non-radiologists remains unclear

Although the use of interventional and diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound has increased among many providers, according to researchers from the University of Florida, the value of added testing is unclear.

Researchers performed a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of Medicare Physician Supplier Payment Summary files between 2011 and 2013, and compared the use of diagnostic or interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK-US) procedures performed by radiologists, orthopedists, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists (including sports medicine specialists), podiatrists and rheumatologists. Billing codes CPT 76881 and CPT 76882 were used to identify diagnostic procedures, and CPT 76942 codes were used to identify interventional procedures.

An increase in payments was observed for interventional ultrasound compared with diagnostic ultrasound across all musculoskeletal specialties/non-radiologists except in podiatry. Interventional ultrasound increased by up to 205% and diagnostic ultrasound services increased by up to 273% by non-radiologists, while interventional use declined in radiology between 2011 and 2013, according to the researchers. The highest mean number of services and payments occurred in orthopedics and rheumatology compared with other non-radiological providers.

“Although the rapid rise of utilization of interventional MSK-US could reflect innovation in care, it is not clear if [the] addition of MSK-US guidance on a population level leads to better value care,” the researchers wrote. “Medicare reimbursement of interventional MSK-US procedures has been reduced which may lead to a better value proposition and moderated utilization.” - by Shirley Pulawski

Reference:

Kaeley GS, et al. Paper #925. Presented at: American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting; Nov. 7-11, 2015; San Francisco.

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.