September 7, 2006
Dear Members of the Medical Technology Caucus:
Because of your interest in medical technology issues, we want to make you aware of an issue affecting access to imaging services. While the Caucus does not endorse specific bills, you should know that there is legislation which addresses this important subject.
The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) passed earlier this year included deep cuts in payments for Medicare medical imaging services. Under the DRA, payments for medical imaging services delivered in a physician's office or imaging center will be capped at a rate not to exceed the rate paid to a hospital outpatient department. This would result in a 30 to 50 percent reduction in payment rates for medical imaging services, and as a result, could dramatically affect patient access to vital imaging services that both patients and physicians rely on to properly detect, diagnose and treat life-threatening conditions.
Our Caucus colleague, Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), has introduced H.R. 5704, the Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2006, bipartisan legislation calling for a two-year moratorium on the deep cuts in payments for imaging services until the GAO conducts a thorough study of the impact on patient access and services. With more time to analyze the issue, Congress will be better able to determine if payment reforms or other policy changes are needed in order to maximize the effectiveness of medical imaging services used by Medicare beneficiaries.
H.R. 5704 currently has 75 cosponsors, some of whom are members of the Medical Technology Caucus. If you'd like to cosponsor this legislation, or to obtain additional information, please contact Monica Volante with Rep. Joe Pitts at (202) 225-2411.
Sincerely,
| JIM RAMSTAD Co-Chair Medical Technology Caucus | ANNA G. ESHOO Co-Chair Medical Technology Caucus |