CBO Scores Removal of In-office Ancillary Exception for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services
The Senate Finance Committee has requested that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score the removal of the in-office ancillary exception to the Stark Rule as it applies to physical therapy, clinical laboratory services, and advanced diagnostic imaging. Although the Stark Law has been amended by legislation and CMS regulations, the in-office ancillary exception has never received an official score from the CBO. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has indicated that the exception will be on the table should the CBO report reveal potential cost savings. Given the number of legislative issues which require a fiscal offset, ASNC, as well as other cardiovascular societies, regard this as a prime concern.
ASNC asserts Congress and regulatory agencies should focus on the promotion of high quality, accredited imaging regardless of the site of service. Moreover, ASNC regards patient choice as a fundamental tenet of the healthcare system. The removal of the in-office ancillary exception may drive patients to a hospital setting, disrupting established physician-patient relationships and subjecting patients to higher co-payments.
Please contact your representatives and urge them to oppose this effort to remove the in-office ancillary exception.
If you require assistance, please contact Andrew McKinley, ASNC Associate Director of Health Policy, at (301) 215-7575 or amckinley@asnc.org.
Additional Resources:
Form letter to complete and send into your elected representatives
