The High Cost of Radiologic Services

To the Editor: Hospital expenditures are the biggest factor in the staggering increase in medical costs. However, some professional fees are a part of increased medical expenses. The current practice of radiology provides examples of this problem. One of our responsibilities as pulmonary consultants is the interpretation of the chest film. This interpretation is influenced by the clinical history, physical findings and other data, and is frequently the reason for the patient's referral to the pulmonary physician. In most circumstances the radiologist's interpretation adds nothing to the patient's care and is an expensive addition to the patient's bill. If there ….