Graduate medical education in the era of health care reform

Abstract

Medicare is the primary source of funding for graduate medical education (GME) in the United States. The growing deficit, a sluggish economy, and rising health care costs have focused attention on cutting spending, and GME reimbursement from Medicare is being considered among the entitlement programs for spending reduction. At the same time, health care reform will place new demands on residency training. The authors review the history of GME financing, the potential impact of GME spending cuts and health care reform on radiology training, and the new skills residents will need to practice in the era of health reform. As health care financing evolves, so must resident education.

Keywords: DME; GME; Graduate medical education; IME; Medicare; PPACA; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; direct medical education; financing; indirect medical education; reimbursement.