Busines ties and MRIs -- it's not rocket science

By Sarah Arnquist

The Health and Human Secretary Inspector General's office concluded last week that doctors are likely to order more MRIs if they have business ties with the imaging provider.

Shocking, isn't it?

Modern Healthcare reports that inspector general's report was a follow-up to a previous finding that MRI claims paid under Medicare's physician fee schedule increased fourfold from 1995 to 2005.

"The complexity and limited transparency with which these services are provided warrants continued attention to ensure that services are reasonable, necessary and compliant with Medicare statutes and regulations," the report states.