       |
||
      |
|
X-ray equipment:
A good purchase for you? Having access to x-ray equipment is an important aspect of patient care, especially in the litigious world in which we live. For DCs just starting out, as well as those expanding their practices, it can be a costly, and maybe even an unnecessary, purchase. Years ago, chiropractors had to purchase their own x-ray machines because no medical facilities would take radiographs for them. Fortunately, you have a variety of options today. Local colleagues, chiropractic colleges, hospitals, and privately owned outpatient diagnostic labs are typically happy to provide out-patient diagnostic imaging services for chiropractors. Many DCs find the benefits of outsourcing the x-rays outweigh the advantages of having radiographic equipment in their practices. These include: • Having qualified radiologists read the films. Radiologists specialize in diagnostic imaging every day and may be more apt to detect, and less likely to overlook, problems. This makes the radiologist an excellent resource in offering your patients top-notch diagnostic reports. If a concern arises later that you failed to detect an underlying condition, you’ll likely be more confident that a specialist reviewed the films. And, if the concern elevates into a malpractice allegation or claim, this additional level of expertise can help bolster your defense. • Establishing relationships with other healthcare providers in your community. Using established community-based outpatient diagnostic facilities for imaging, clinical laboratory studies, and other institutional services elevates the image of the profession and enhances your image in the community. This also may lead to cross-referral relationships. • Eliminating x-ray costs from the patient’s first visit charges. Since most other healthcare providers already refer patients elsewhere for testing, this should be nothing new to your patients. And by paying for x-rays separately, patients may have a more positive perception of the initial office visit cost, resulting in more referrals for you. (Patients often will consider how much a friend or relative must spend before passing your name along.) The initial office visit costs will become more significant with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) becoming prevalent. Under these programs, the patient pays a high deductible — the first $1,050 (for single coverage) to $5,450 (maximum family coverage) each year out of pocket, depending on the plan. Only then does the HSA kick in. Because the economic burden clearly falls on the patient for initial care payments, all costs will be carefully scrutinized. • Free up space. Instead of tying up a room for tests you conduct infrequently, you can use the space as a treatment room — without incurring a large purchase expense. While you receive no reimbursement for the technical or the professional component of outsourcing your x-rays, the economic advantages of having an extra room available for treatment can be significant. The professional mandate to diagnose, coupled with the high cost and sophistication of testing and the rapid technological obsolescence of many procedures, require practitioners to balance the costs versus the benefits of purchasing diagnostic equipment.
As with every decision, you must undertake a benefit/risk evaluation to see what is most economical and cost effective for you. There is no right or wrong decision — this simply provides alternatives for today’s challenging healthcare climate. Based upon your specific needs and borrowing ability, the decision whether to purchase, lease, or outsource will become clear once you perform a benefit/risk evaluation. DISCLAIMER: The accompanying text is offered solely for general information and educational purposes. It is not offered as, nor does it constitute, legal advice or opinion. You should not act or rely upon this information without seeking the advice of an attorney.
|
Advertising | Classifieds | Cardpack | Datebook | Past Issues | Chiro History
How are we doing?