2007 Survey of Radiologists: Source of Income and Impact of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005

A 2007 survey obtained information that facilitates estimates of the impact of the newly in effect Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) and upcoming antimarkup legislation. The survey was a stratified random sample survey of ACR radiologist members and practice leaders conducted in May and June 2007. In total, 601 responses were received from currently practicing radiologists. The response rate was 20%, and the margin of error was ±4.3% at the 95% confidence level. The DRA placed a cap on technical-component payments from Medicare for nonhospital imaging services beginning in January 2007. The primary survey topics related to the effect of the DRA included the professional and technical components of income, income derived from Medicare patients, practice changes resulting from Medicare payment cuts, and outside readings. An average of 18% of radiologists' income is from technical-component sources. Radiologists whose percentages of income derived from the technical component were above average and included those aged 47 to 54 years, owners of outpatient imaging facilities, radiologists in the Northeast, and radiologists at nonacademic practices. After implementation of the DRA, practices were more likely to lay off staff members and cancel purchases of imaging equipment and less likely to reduce imaging services provided.