American College of Radiology Accreditation, Performance Metrics, Reimbursement, and Economic Considerations in Breast MR Imaging

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2018 May;26(2):303-314. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2017.12.004.

Abstract

Accreditation through the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Accreditation Program is necessary to qualify for reimbursement from Medicare and many private insurers and provides facilities with peer review on image acquisition and clinical quality. Adherence to ACR quality control and technical practice parameter guidelines for breast MR imaging and performance of a medical outcomes audit program will maintain high-quality imaging and facilitate accreditation. Economic factors likely to influence the practice of breast MR imaging include cost-effectiveness, competition with lower-cost breast-imaging modalities, and price transparency, all of which may lower the cost of MR imaging and allow for greater utilization.

Keywords: ACR accreditation; Breast MR Imaging; Economics; Performance metrics; Reimbursement.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accreditation / methods*
  • Breast / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / economics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / economics*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / economics
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / standards*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • Societies, Medical
  • United States