In an effort to help physicians cut costs for cardiac stress testing, University Nuclear & Diagnostics (UND), a nuclear imaging solutions company, began offering a physicians practice assessment to help cut operating costs. Additionally, the company's recent acquisition of ProtectionPlus is a move to further help physicians provide quality service in a cost-effective way, the company's CEO Avi Soffer told DOTmed News.

In light of the hard hits felt by cardiologists across the country with regard to reimbursements and authorization requirements, UND began offering the Awareness and Education program, in order to raise awareness about money-saving options for physicians and practices.

UND provides participants with not only a practice assessment, but Webinars, pamphlets and tailor-made DVDs to help practices learn more about how to save money in their nuclear stress testing business.

Soffer is passionate about the tough situation cardiologists have found themselves in as a result of low reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid.

"We've really been at the forefront [of] resistance toward the battering cardiologists have endured with regard to reimbursement cuts and authorization issues," said Soffer. "[The program] was just adding to our original mission, which has always been to bring about testing in a more cost-effective and efficient way."

Nearly 100 cardiologists and practices have reached out to UND for a free practice assessment, according to Soffer.

"It doesn't cost anything," he said. "We'll spend as much time as necessary with the practice, whether they become a client or not. We want them to be aware that the sky is not falling. We feel responsible to let them know there are options available."

In addition to the practice assessment program, UND announced earlier this week its acquisition of ProtectionPlus, a nuclear camera service and repair company. The acquisition promises to help clients save money, said Soffer. UND looked highly upon ProtectionPlus's "impeccable" reputation, said Soffer, when deciding to acquire the business.

Soffer's goal is to help clients reduce costs, by passing savings along to the clients, even if that means taking in no profit from ProtectionPlus.

"I don't care if the company makes profit," he said, noting that he is just planning to break even. ProtectionPlus is also looking forward to being a part of UND.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement that will enable us to deliver even more significant and much needed savings to our clients," Nicole Jones, ProtectionPlus's director of operations, said in a statement.

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