Preparing for the costs of XR-29 a new standard for CT radiation dose monitoring.

A new standard for computed tomography (CT) scanners, established by the Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance, is aimed at ensuring CT studies are performed on safe equipment that delivers high-quality images at the lowest possible radiation dose to patients. Starting in January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will implement a new payment incentive, authorized by Congress in 2014, aimed at promoting healthcare providers' adoption of the new standard for all outpatient CT studies. Organizations that perform CT studies on an outpatient basis will need to develop a process to comply with the standards or face a reduction in payment per study.