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Dramatically Increased Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Utilization From 2000 To 2009, Especially By Podiatrists In Private Offices, Richard E. Sharpe, Levon N. Nazarian, Laurence Parker, Vijay Rao, David C. Levin
Dramatically Increased Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Utilization From 2000 To 2009, Especially By Podiatrists In Private Offices, Richard E. Sharpe, Levon N. Nazarian, Laurence Parker, Vijay Rao, David C. Levin
Department of Radiology Faculty Papers
PURPOSE: Over the past two decades, musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound has emerged as an effective means of diagnosing MSK pathologies. However, some insurance providers have expressed concern about increased MSK ultrasound utilization, possibly facilitated by the low cost and ready availability of ultrasound technology. The purpose of this study was to document trends in MSK ultrasound utilization from 2000 to 2009 within the Medicare population.
METHODS: Source data were obtained from the CMS Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files from 2000 to 2009, and records were extracted for procedures for extremity nonvascular ultrasound. We analyzed annual volume by provider type using specialties, …