Development of Podiatry & Insurance

[cool_vkb]

My family is in MRI/Imaging business. While working on the front desk (insurance verification/scheduling,etc) i found out that due to the extra high MRI costs (which range from 1200-3000). Some insurance companies have developed a new protocol. If a PCP needs to have a F & A MRI done (which is a costly MRI), instead of directly ordering MRI, the insurance companies are urging the patient be referred to a Podiatrist and if he thinks he it is appropraite and he orders the MRI, then only the INSURANCE pays for the procedure or else the patient has to pay from his pocket. since i see MRI business so closely, i though its necessary bcoz many insurance companies doenst wanna pay anymore for any procedure. they are making sure the procedure is really needed.

Its a very small thing but i see that due to heavy medical costs, Insurance companies are changing their attitude and are opting for more Specialist advices. looks like we are getting in spotlight more and more. i mean this is great, the Pod who gets the referrals can also benefit bcoz he is getting his consultation fees, and if really he cud identify the problem then may be he doenst need a MRI and he cud add one more patient in his patient base.

However if the patient doesnt wanna go to Podiatrist, then patient has to pay for the MRI from his pocket. Or if the condition is too obvious like a fracture or something significant then it is an exception. but believe me there are so many MRIs ordered not for that much obvious reason, if the PCP has a doubt he just orders MRI. And with present MRI costs, i dont think the insurance companies are liking that idea. its not cheap as a x-ray or ultrasound.

just wanted to share this with you guys.

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[AlKlineDPM]

My family is in MRI/Imaging business. While working on the front desk (insurance verification/scheduling,etc) i found out that due to the extra high MRI costs (which range from 1200-3000). Some insurance companies have developed a new protocol. If a PCP needs to have a F & A MRI done (which is a costly MRI), instead of directly ordering MRI, the insurance companies are urging the patient be referred to a Podiatrist and if he thinks he it is appropraite and he orders the MRI, then only the INSURANCE pays for the procedure or else the patient has to pay from his pocket. since i see MRI business so closely, i though its necessary bcoz many insurance companies doenst wanna pay anymore for any procedure. they are making sure the procedure is really needed.

Its a very small thing but i see that due to heavy medical costs, Insurance companies are changing their attitude and are opting for more Specialist advices. looks like we are getting in spotlight more and more. i mean this is great, the Pod who gets the referrals can also benefit bcoz he is getting his consultation fees, and if really he cud identify the problem then may be he doenst need a MRI and he cud add one more patient in his patient base.

However if the patient doesnt wanna go to Podiatrist, then patient has to pay for the MRI from his pocket. Or if the condition is too obvious like a fracture or something significant then it is an exception. but believe me there are so many MRIs ordered not for that much obvious reason, if the PCP has a doubt he just orders MRI. And with present MRI costs, i dont think the insurance companies are liking that idea. its not cheap as a x-ray or ultrasound.

just wanted to share this with you guys.

I guess they better go to the podiatrist first , lol.