Imaging Manufacturers Lobby Lawmakers to Reverse Medicare Imaging Cuts

June 28, 2007 - Medical imaging manufacturers are lobbying Congress to overturn Medicare cuts that took effect in January, which slashed Medicare reimbursements to doctors for performing X-rays, MRIs and other imaging exams.

Reimbursements to doctors for MRI scans, for example, have already decreased by 38 percent nationwide and are expected to save $2.8 billion over five years.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the Advanced Medical Technology Association as of 2006 employed 23 lobbyists to work on Medicare issues, arguing that the cuts will cause fewer physicians to offer in-office imaging, making it difficult for beneficiaries to have access to medical scans.
The Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC), which claims to represent more than 75,000 beneficiaries and healthcare professionals, is also lobbying Congress to reverse the cuts.
No hearings currently are scheduled on the issue, and "some healthcare experts are advising lawmakers that more medical technology does not necessarily lead to superior healthcare," reported the AP/Arizona Daily Star on June 26 of this year.

For more information: www.imagingaccess.org