How radiologists get paid: resource-based relative value scale and the revenue cycle.

OBJECTIVE

To learn the impact of health care reform, it is important for radiologists to first understand basic administrative aspects of medicine. This article describes the processes of radiology billing, reimbursement, and the revenue cycle, which includes the importance of proper coding, the resource-based relative value scale, and accounts receivable.

CONCLUSION

An understanding of the basics of medical practice management can help radiologists effectively provide optimal patient care. This article provides an overview of one component of this topic--the current radiology reimbursement system.