AIM, which also includes pathologist, physical therapist and clinical laboratory societies, would like to see Congress axe the IOAS exceptions for anatomic pathology, physical therapy and radiation therapy, in addition to ending them for diagnostic imaging services. The organization said it's waiting for upcoming GAO reports on self-referral in radiation therapy, pathology and physical therapy.

"We hope Congress will use anticipated Medicare savings generated by ending self-referral as it works to offset the costs of preventing massive scheduled cuts to Medicare provider payments," the group said.


For its part, the GAO recommended that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should add a self-referral flag for advanced imaging on Medicare claims forms, and require doctors to indicate if they self-referred. CMS should also cut reimbursements for self-referrals of advanced imaging, the GAO said.

AIM is made of the American College of Radiology, the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the Association for Quality Imaging and the Radiology Business Management Association, as well as the American Clinical Laboratory Association, the American Physical Therapy Association, the American Society for Clinical Pathology and the College of American Pathologists.

Back to HCB News

More Industry Headlines