Before Congress mandates reimbursement cuts for diagnostic imaging procedures, it should partner with industry to collect accurate figures to determine the appropriate rate of utilization, according to the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition, an industry advocacy group. The Obama administration proposed to change the formula that determines physician reimbursement rates for advanced imaging, a move that could delay or prohibit many procedures.
The Access to Medical Imaging Coalition was organized in early 2006, soon after Congress passed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which significantly reduced the level of funding for medical imaging services provided in independent imaging facilities and physician offices. The coalition conducts public affairs, advocacy, and educational activities on behalf of legislation to address these payment reductions.