Gender Differences in Medicare Practice and Payment of Neuroradiologists.

background and purposeFemale neuroradiologists in clinical practice are outnumbered by their male counterparts. However, it is unknown whether there are differences in practice patterns and Medicare billing and payment between female and male neuroradiologists. Our aim was to compare representation, practice range, clinical productivity, and Medicare payments for female and male neuroradiologists. MATERIALS AND

methodsA retrospective cross-sectional study of Medicare provider and service data was conducted. Male and female neuroradiologists who received Medicare payments from 2017 to 2021 and the services rendered were analyzed. Primary outcome was gender representation, mean payments received from Medicare, charges submitted, and codes billed.

resultsFrom 2017 to 2021, there were a total of 2701 neuroradiologists, of whom 526 (19.5%) were female, with a higher proportion of women in academic than nonacademic neuroradiology practice (23.3% versus 15.6%, respectively). On average, female neuroradiologists charged less (mean, standard error [SE], $642,489 [$14,756] versus $738,416 [$7800];

conclusionsFemale neuroradiologists were underrepresented, charged less, and received less overall payment compared with their male counterparts. Female neuroradiologists provided a smaller range and number of services, and a greater proportion of female neuroradiologists billed for higher-paying services. Further studies are needed to assess differences in part-time work and subspecialty representation to determine their impact.