Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
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This paper, the last of 3 that discuss the reimbursement challenges facing new medical device technology in various issues of this journal, addresses the structural diversity of Medicare's various payment systems. These systems vary widely in how they establish prices, how they incorporate new technologies and procedures, and the means by which they are updated and maintained. ⋯ It is important to recognize that coverage can be undermined without adequate payment and that this situation will dampen further product innovation. The 3 papers, taken together, document the challenges posed by insurer reimbursement policies and show that a close working relationship between the manufacturers that develop new medical technologies and physician practitioners is needed if reimbursement hurdles are to be managed and medical innovation is to continue.
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To identify predictors of positive computed tomographic (CT) yield and to measure the impact of CT yield on the disposition of patients referred for computed tomography after presenting to an emergency department with nontraumatic abdominal pain. ⋯ Clinical indicators of positive CT yield include pediatric age, leukocytosis, and a specified precomputed-tomography diagnosis. Positive CT results are a predictor for hospital admission. In one quarter of cases, computed tomography identifies clinically unsuspected diagnoses and thereby adds information important for patient management, even after clinical evaluation.