The NDSO Advises Remaining Profitable Performing Diagnostic Imaging Remains Very Achievable - You Just Have to Know Where to Look
Davie, FL (PRWEB) December 20, 2013 -- Recently released "final reports" from CMS.gov and subsequent analysis by Theadvisory.com http://www.advisory.com/Research/Imaging-Performance-Partnership/The-Reading-Room/2013/12/CMS-final-rule-maintains-cuts-to-CT-MR detail nuclear imaging rates for 2014. With so much discussion related to reimbursement cuts, denial rates there is lingering concerns among Cardiology practices and healthcare facilities as to how to best respond. So what are the bottom line, no nonsense methods to navigating through the chaos and remaining profitable? One such proven method for over the past decade has been to “insource” the management of a facility’s department to an expert organization that operates from within the facility guaranteeing testing cost reductions and long term cost containment. These types of organizations are referred to as Diagnostic Service Organizations or “DSO.” A DSO works within a practice or a facility focusing on the many moving parts of a nuclear lab including employing current lab staff and or if requested providing freshly acquired technologists. The results can be a savings or additional imaging profit to the provider of 20% - 40% in extreme cases.
A nuclear imaging lab consists of no less than 8 constantly moving parts ranging from quality control, equipment service and repair, to technologists and is often considered among the most highly regulated aspects of any practice. “The amount of attention required for a well run, compliant, profitable nuclear department is significant and in many cases more than the average practice or hospital can dedicate," says Avi Soffer, CEO of University Nuclear and Diagnostics (http://www.NuclearStressTest.net), a national DSO. “It is not like it used to be. These days if your not paying close attention to scheduling, labor costs, and the QC your going to end up either losing money, be out of compliance, or both,” Soffer warns.
According to the National Diagnostic Services Organization http://www.NDSOInfo.com, the concept of a DSO is nothing new. DSO's have been in existence since the late 90’s and now, due to the need for so many to assess and control costs, they have become more popular than ever offering providers a dual pronged benefit. The first being convenience. In the current environment of changes and increases in regulatory oversight, having everything constantly watched over, checked and rechecked is of utmost importance. DSO’s employ experts in nuclear medicine including physicists, nuclear techs and Radiation Safety Officers, all trained and responsible for optimal lab compliance. The second primary benefit of utilizing a DSO is the economics. Those operating nuclear labs are all too familiar with the multiple monthly invoices from pharmacies, payroll expenses, service and repair, and other costs associated with the nuclear department. When utilizing a DSO, those are all eliminated and bundled into one clearly identifiable per test cost, which is then billed once monthly. “It should not have to be so complicated. Due to the ability to devote the necessary time, expertise and oversight, together with unparalleled group purchasing power, a DSO is simply able to run a lab efficiently and more cost effectively than any one practice, group or hospital.” It’s a no-brainer and very much the answer for those seeking to reduce costs,” urges Soffer.
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About University Nuclear and DIagnostics
UND is among the nations leading Diagnostic Services Organization (DSO) and provider of healthcare services, specializing in reducing costs associated with diagnostic imaging, equipment service/repair and accreditation services. UND presently provides exclusive staffing, management and consulting services to physician practices throughout the U.S. of an aggregate of over 120 physicians, treating over 120,000 patients. The Company also acquired UND ProtectionPLUS, providing reduced costs on nuclear camera equipment, repairs and comprehensive service agreements. Additionally, the Company acquired the rights to code and is creating a derivate product of the Nuclear Mac imaging software providing enhanced, upgraded imagery, while enabling Radiologists and Cardiologists to interpret scans remotely from Apple Ipads and Iphones.
Alida Will, University Nuclear & Diagnostics, http://www.NuclearStressTest.net, +1 (877) 534-2466, [email protected]
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