The Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA)—the trade association representing manufacturers of medical imaging equipment, radiopharmaceuticals, contrast media, and focused ultrasound therapeutic devices—has applauded Representatives Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), Scott Peters (D-Calif.), and Terri Sewell (D-Ala.) for their introduction of The Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act of 2023 (H.R. 1199).
The FIND Act is a bipartisan, budget-neutral bill that would protect Medicare beneficiaries’ access to advanced diagnostic imaging procedures that identify dangerous conditions, including heart disease, neurologic disorders, and cancers, in early stages. Current Medicare payment methodology restricts access to these innovations by reimbursing diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals through a packaged payment system, creating a significant barrier for Medicare patients who need newer, more precise diagnostic nuclear imaging drugs.
The FIND Act addresses this issue by directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to pay separately for all diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals with a cost threshold per day of $500 or more.
“Innovative diagnostic tools, like molecular imaging, are quickly changing the medical landscape, but patients ultimately suffer if providers can’t access these new technologies,” says Rep. Scott Peters. “Our bill, the FIND Act, represents a bipartisan, patient-first policy that will help more Americans access precise diagnostic imaging and make better informed personal health decisions.”
“Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, and prostate cancer have disproportionately impacted Black Americans and minority populations. We know management and treatment of these diseases can be improved with early detection. However, Medicare’s reimbursement structure restricts access to these innovative diagnostics for too many of the hospitals serving these populations,” adds Rep. Terri Sewell.
“Addressing healthcare disparities must include screening and early diagnosis. The FIND Act is a critical step towards addressing these long-standing disparities and improving health outcomes, particularly among our minority, economically fragile, and rural communities,” Sewell says.
MITA’s executive director Patrick Hope also spoke out about the FIND Act, commenting: “For years, flawed Medicare policy has meant Americans have not had appropriate access to diagnostic nuclear imaging procedures. We encourage Congress to pass the FIND Act and allow more Americans to receive early, accurate diagnoses and improve treatment outcomes.”
