The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA) today expressed concern about President Obama’s proposed 2014 budget, which includes a recommendation for a prior authorization system through for-profit radiology benefit managers (RBMs). This provision was included in spite of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s acknowledgement that a prior authorization policy will yield no savings. If instituted, this proposal will jeopardize both innovation and patient access to imaging technologies that have proven time and again to save lives and lower long-term health care costs.
“Though we appreciate President Obama’s desire to improve the Medicare program, policies that impede patient access to diagnostic imaging would only serve to increase long-term health care costs through unneeded treatments and hospital stays,” said Gail Rodriguez, Executive Director of MITA. “Instead, MITA urges the Administration to work with Congress to pursue alternative, evidence-based solutions to guide proper use of imaging services, such as encouraging the adoption of physician-developed appropriateness criteria.”
To read MITA’s full analysis, click here.
