IR as a Clinical Specialty: Trends in Utilization of Outpatient E&M Services by Interventional Radiologists Over a 10-year Period

Learning Objectives: To evaluate the trends in utilization of Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes by Interventional Radiologists over a 10-year period by reviewing Medicare Part B utilization data provided by the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) between 2010-2019.

Background: In recent years, many IR practices have spotlighted the importance of maintaining or creating robust outpatient clinics. To better understand financial reimbursement in the outpatient setting, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the overall utilization trends of CPT codes used by IRs.

Clinical Findings/Procedure Details:

In 2010, a total of 37,090 outpatient visits were billed to CMS from IRs. In 2015, this number increased to 73,220 and data from 2019 demonstrates a total of 111,010 E&M services billed. This accounts of an over 199% increase over a 10-year period from 2010 to 2019. Data from 2020 was not utilized due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Conclusion and/or Teaching Points: As IR continues to grow as a specialty, so does its clinical presence. The data presented demonstrates a strong upward trend in the number of outpatient services reimbursed to IRs with an over 199% increase of services from 2010 to 2019. It is important to recognize and monitor the utilization of CPT codes amongst IRs as this is reflective of reimbursement for these outpatient visits.