[ RadSafe ] On contracting out x-ray inspections, etc.

[Clayton J Bradt]

One cannot rely on the presumed higher level of professionalism at medical
radiation facilities vis a vis motor vehicle inspection stations to
minimize corruption.  NY's mammography screening program has been rife with
shady practices by radiologists and other providers (e.g. films not being
read, unnecessary biopsies ordered, fraudulent billing, etc.).  And
Medicaid fraud by physicians is a national scandal that cost billions
annually.  If there is money to be made by cutting corners in any industry,
it will happen.  The only way to minimize it is constant vigilance.  That
means government regulations and regulators. [The self-regulation of free
markets is a fairy tale.]

I suspect the main reason for why we have not seen problems in NY's CRESO
program (private contractors doing compliance testing of dental x-ray
units) is that there just isn't much money to be made by cutting corners.


Clayton J. Bradt
Principal Radiophysicist
NYS Dept. of Health
Biggs Laboratory, Room D486A
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12201-0509

518-474-1993
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