Radiology Question for the Week of December 4, 2023

Question:

Will reimbursement be impacted by the 2024 final PFS rule starting next year?

Answer:

Unfortunatley yes. For radiology reimbursement, the conversion factor continues to represent a downward spiral that endangers the financial health of many stakeholders and places patient care at risk. The 2024 conversion factor is down to $32.74 from a 2023 conversion factor of $33.89. CMS notes that “By factors specified in law, overall payment rates under the PFS will be reduced by 1.25% in CY 2024 compared to CY 2023. CMS is also finalizing significant increases in payment for primary care and other kinds of direct patient care.”Radiology will experience an overall three percent decrease, while interventional radiology will brace for an aggregate decrease of four percent. Nuclear medicine can expect to see a three percent decrease, with radiation oncology and radiation therapy centers preparing for a two percent decrease. The American College of Radiology (ACR) warns that “the actual impact will be little higher as the overall impact numbers mentioned above do not take into account the impact of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) payment supplements of 2.50 percent for 2023 and 1.25 percent for 2024.”