The role of the radiologist in new payment systems.

Many economists and policy makers believe that United States healthcare costs are rising at an unsustainable rate. In response, newer payment systems such as bundled payments, accountable care organizations, and population health management have been proposed. These new paradigms all aim to encourage collaboration between health care providers to conserve costs and increase quality. To succeed in this evolving environment, radiologists should consider embracing change by working to standardize radiology practice, participating in radiology utilization management, working with vendors to increase storage of radiology imaging data to improve access and interconnectivity, and exploring targeted screening in high risk populations.