Washington, D.C. – The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) today applauded The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for postponing until the end of 2021 the implementation of policy that would mandate physicians consult Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) before ordering a procedure.
MITA has long supported AUC policies to drive clinically necessary imaging exams. But while physicians and hospitals continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying implementation of the policy is warranted, the association said.
“As the backlog of imaging procedures amasses during the suspension of certain services, it will be daunting for providers to manage the influx of overdue scans and treatment,” said Patrick Hope, Executive Director, MITA. “While MITA supports using AUC to drive appropriate care, we support an extension of the current educational testing period through 2021 to avoid potential claims processing issues while recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
