The recommendation is based on growing evidence that physician self-referral contributes to unnecessary and costly care, according to the report. Of the 2,750 physician respondents in community-based, physician-owned practices, 25.2 percent reported that their practice owned or leased equipment for laboratory services.
Overall, almost one in seven physicians reported that their practice owned or leased three or more types of equipment. Surgeons were most likely to own equipment for advanced imaging, and equipment ownership was more likely in larger practices.
CMS has acted in recent years to make physician ownership and use of some types of advanced imaging equipment less attractive by cutting Medicare reimbursements, the researchers said.
Read the study on physician equipment ownership.
Read more on the Stark Law:
–South Carolina’s Tuomey Hospital Seeks to Stop Retrial of Alleged False Claims Violations
–20 Largest False Claims Cases of 2010
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
