Special Rule to Incentivize Transition from Traditional X-Ray Imaging to

20.2.5 - Special Rule to Incentivize Transition from Traditional X-Ray Imaging to Digital Radiography (Rev.3820, Issued: 11-21-17, Effective: 01-01-18, Implementation; 01-02-18) Section 502(a)(1) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 is titled "Medicare Payment Incentive for the Transition from Traditional X-Ray Imaging to Digital Radiography and Other Medicare Imaging Payment Provision." It amends the Social Security Act (SSA) by reducing the payment amounts under the Physician Fee Schedule by 20 percent for the technical component (and the technical component of the global fee) of imaging services that are X-rays taken using film, effective January 1, 2017, and after. Modifier FX (X ray taken using film) was created to implement this provision. Beginning January 1, 2017, claims for X-rays using film must include modifier FX, which will result in the applicable payment reduction.