The Disproportionate Effects of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 on Radiologists' Private Office MRI and CT Practices Compared With Those of Other Physicians

After the DRA took effect, office MRI volume dropped among radiologists but increased among NRPs. Payments for MRI to both dropped, but the percentage decrease to radiologists was greater. Office CT volume increased slightly among radiologists but increased much more among NRPs on a percentage basis. Payments for CT imaging to radiologists dropped, but they increased to NRPs. These results suggest that NRPs may be able to ameliorate the effects of the DRA by increasing self-referral. These trends are of concern and should be scrutinized in future years.