Ownership or Leasing of CT Scanners by Nonradiologist Physicians: A Rapidly Growing Trend That Raises Concern About Self-Referral

The majority of Medicare private-office CT scans are done in facilities owned by radiologists. However, nonradiologist physicians are acquiring or leasing CT scanners in increasing numbers, and the growth trend is much more rapid among them than it is among radiologists (85% among radiologists from 2001 to 2006, compared with 263% among nonradiologists). As a result, nonradiologists' market share has increased considerably. At a time when both cost containment and reduction in radiation exposure are urgent priorities, the self-referral opportunities resulting from this trend should be of concern to payers and policymakers.