There is no denying that the importance of non-physician practitioners in the medical and healthcare industry remains indispensable. Almost every domain of medical services gets impacted by their involvement in more ways than one.
Radiology too can benefit from the wholehearted participation of NPPs in this critical medical care domain. Here are a few smart ways in which the presence of NPPs may influence the outcomes of Radiology.
The New Study and Its Findings
Robert Martin is an MPH and works in the department of Osteopathic Medicine of New Jersey’s Rowan University School. He and a few of his colleagues have recently published a paper in ‘Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology ‘.
In this article, the team of experts has focused on the burden on the shoulders of practicing radiologists becoming heftier with each passing day. Imaging solutions have enhanced medical care outcomes and people are happy with themand the demand for radiology is rising.
However, this soaring demand is certainly making things difficult for radiologists. With the rising workload, radiologists may find performing at their best potential challenging. On the other hand, the number of NPPs has certainly increased but their extent of integration into radiology has not been up to the mark.
The Future Scope
Martin further explained that even though the demand for radiology-oriented methods has gone up, the accessibility and availability of radiologists still remain a challenge due to this shortfall. He added, that, if professionally trained NPPs could be involved in radiology practices, this work overload problem and inadequacy issue can be solved.
This will not only enhance the overall medical care facilities more enriched but also help the radiologists maintain a fair work-life balance. However, the expert also mentioned that before integrating these trained providers with radiology practices, certain considerations should be taken care of.
The Procedure
Below are Martin’s observations that he derived from the subject literature pertaining tothe methods ofintegrating NPPs into radiology proceduresto benefit all.
Radiology-Oriented Training
Radiologists do not work alone at present. A team of well-trained technologists support them thoroughly. However, this training process is not a standardized one. More often, these technologists spend multiple years working with a radiologist to earn their knowledge and expertise.
Even though a basic training program is available, it is not sufficient to train NPPs so that they could proactively ad productively help the radiologists to enhance the domain outcomes. Martin suggested that a standardized training program for up-skilling NPPs should be in place.
He further added that for faster integration of NPPs, a combination of proper training and scope for working alongside a radiologist would be the best way out.
Reporting Structures
When NPPs would work with radiologists, the two must remain in communication. This is why reporting structure is necessary. For small facilities, one or two non physician practitioners may report to a radiologist. This will help the workflow remain smooth and seamless.
Time-Driven & Activity-Based Costing
Radiology departments working with NPPs should focus on engaging NPPs based on their individual skills and expertise. This strategic utilization of available resources will lead to higher efficiency, productivity, and healthcare outcomes.
In that case, experienced radiologists will have enough time to invest in RVU imaging or any other intricate imaging procedure.
Reimbursements
For procedures, both physician assistants and nurse practitioners remain eligible for an 85% reimbursement in MPFS (Medicare Physician Fee Schedule). However, the structure of billing will vary forradiology assistants. The reimbursement process for NPPs also varies based on the state. With so many variations, the billing method can be baffling. In some cases, the amount can be as high as 100%.
Supplemental Services
NPPs can perform a wide range of checkups and processes. They can triage people, schedule exams, screen patients to check the accuracy of the imaging, conduct inpatient consultations, etc.
Many of these services often remain under-billed items when physicians do them. However, NPPs can bill for these services. This indeed opens another channel for higher revenue.
Excess Imaging
Martin highlighted a problem with this system as well. Based on previous research data, Martin added that many NPPs tend to order more imaging than physicians. However, he also mentioned that radiology-oriented training can help NPPs overcome this problem.
In the end, Martin mentioned that Radiologists will continue to perform the majority of the radiology works even if NPPs get permission to assist them. However, involving NPPs will certainly help radiologists opt for tedious procedures more often.
As a result, the work-life balance of radiologists will get restored, the overall performance of the domain will improve and the facilities will earn more.
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