The American College of Radiology (ACR) reports that Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) has introduced HR 2962, the "Integrity in Medicare Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Act of 2009." The bill would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude certain advanced diagnostic imaging services from the in-office ancillary services exception to the prohibition on physician self-referral laws, known as the "Stark laws." The advanced diagnostic imaging services in this legislation include diagnostic MRIs, CT, and PET; but exclude X-ray, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy; and do not include imaging services performed for purposes of radiation therapy treatment planning or in conjunction with an interventional radiological procedure or nuclear medicine other than positron emission tomography.

According to ACR, Congresswoman Speier was a champion of this issue during her tenure with the California state legislature, and hopes to continue her advocacy through the introduction of the current legislation. HR 2962 has been referred jointly to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

"The College appreciates Rep. Speier's effort to end the longstanding issue of physician self-referral in imaging. We thank the Congresswoman for her courage in confronting the issue and look forward to working with her to advance this issue," said James H. Thrall, M.D., FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors, in the press release.

The ACR notes that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Journal of the American Medical Association, among others, have issued reports and studies demonstrating that the use of imaging is significantly increased when physicians refer patients to facilities in which they have a financial stake. The ACR also says private insurance studies also indicate that nearly half of self-referred imaging is unnecessary.

"The ACR continues to work with allied organizations, members of Congress and congressional staff to advance the policy of sensible imaging reimbursement policies based on medical evidence, not arbitrary cost cutting," said ACR Chair Thrall in the press release. "ACR looks forward to working with Congresswoman Speier to incorporate the discussion of imaging self-referral into the ongoing health care debate," added Thrall.

Adapted from a press release by ACR and the legislation in the Library of Congress' THOMAS site.

Get useful links at ACR:
http://www.acr.org/HomePageCategories/News/ACRNewsCenter/StarkLaw.aspx

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