computed radiography technology
(9) Special rule to incentivize transition from traditional X-ray imaging to digital radiography (A) Limitation on payment for film X-ray imaging services In the case of an imaging service (including the imaging portion of a service) that is an X-ray taken using film and that is furnished during 2017 or a subsequent year, the payment amount for the technical component (including the technical component portion of a global service) of such service that would otherwise be determined under this section (without application of this paragraph and before application of any other adjustment under this section) for such year shall be reduced by 20 percent. (B) Phased-in limitation on payment for computed radiography imaging services In the case of an imaging service (including the imaging portion of a service) that is an X-ray taken using computed radiography technology— (i) in the case of such a service furnished during 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022, the payment amount for the technical component (including the technical component portion of a global service) of such service that would otherwise be determined under this section (without application of this paragraph and before application of any other adjustment under this section) for such year shall be reduced by 7 percent; and (ii) in the case of such a service furnished during 2023 or a subsequent year, the payment amount for the technical component (including the technical component portion of a global service) of such service that would otherwise be determined under this section (without application of this paragraph and before application of any other adjustment under this section) for such year shall be reduced by 10 percent. (C) Computed radiography technology defined For purposes of this paragraph, the term “computed radiography technology” means cassette-based imaging which utilizes an imaging plate to create the image involved. (D) Implementation In order to implement this paragraph, the Secretary shall adopt appropriate mechanisms which may include use of modifiers.