Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB5492

Caption

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for payment for services of radiologist assistants under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

Impact

The introduction of SB5492 is expected to streamline payment processes under Medicare by explicitly including radiologist assistant services in the Medicare coverage framework. This represents a significant shift towards recognizing the contributions of radiologist assistants in the healthcare system. The bill specifies that payment for these services shall be made to the supervising radiologist, which emphasizes the importance of team-based care in radiology and ensures that patient safety and quality standards are maintained while increasing access to necessary imaging services.

Summary

SB5492, known as the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2024, aims to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow for Medicare payment for services provided by radiologist assistants. This legislation recognizes the important role that radiologist assistants play in supporting radiologists and providing essential patient care within the diagnostic and interventional imaging settings. By establishing a formal payment structure for the services rendered by radiologist assistants, the bill seeks to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of radiological services covered under Medicare.

Contention

While the bill primarily seeks to expand Medicare coverage, there could be points of contention regarding the implications for existing healthcare payment systems. Critics might express concerns about how the addition of radiologist assistant services could impact the reimbursement rates for radiologists or the overall Medicare budget. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the importance of maintaining supervision and the partnership dynamics between radiologists and radiologist assistants, to ensure that the high standards of patient care are upheld while expanding service accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB3

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive cost-sharing for advance care planning services, and for other purposes.

US SB5540

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify payment rules for manual wheelchairs under part B of the Medicare program.

US SB5612

A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for prior authorization reforms under the Medicare Advantage program.

US HB10419

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare demonstration program relating to crisis response services.

US SB5474

A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to establish an interagency council on social determinants of health, and for other purposes.

US HB10291

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for certain fall prevention items under the Medicare program.

US SB5459

A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to alter when biosimilar biological products are eligible for price negotiations under the Medicare program.

US SB5548

A bill to amend title III of the Social Security Act to improve the accuracy of payment of unemployment compensation benefits, and for other purposes.

US SB5547

A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to verify certain eligibility criteria for individuals enrolled for medical assistance quarterly, and for other purposes.

US SB1922

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

CA AB511

Radiologist assistants.

CA AB3097

Radiologist assistants.

CA SB480

Law enforcement uniforms.

CA SB377

Radiologist assistants.

VT H0473

An act relating to radiologist assistants

TX SB848

Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology; providing an administrative penalty; imposing fees; requiring an occupational license.

TX SB1079

Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology; providing penalties; imposing fees.

TX HB1546

Relating to the regulation of medical radiologic technology; providing penalties; imposing fees.