Texas House Bill HB2279

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/11/09

Caption

Relating to the provision of and billing for certain diagnostic imaging services.

Impact

The implementation of HB2279 is expected to strengthen regulations surrounding the billing practices of healthcare providers, potentially leading to increased accountability and clarity for patients. By enforcing direct supervision requirements for imaging services, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care and ensure that services provided are in accordance with state regulations. This could also impact how healthcare providers conduct their imaging services, as non-compliance may lead to disciplinary actions such as license suspension or revocation.

Summary

House Bill 2279 seeks to enhance transparency in the billing of certain diagnostic imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, and PET scans. The bill requires health care providers to directly supervise or perform diagnostic imaging services and mandates clear disclosures regarding billing to patients. Specifically, health care providers must inform patients and insurers about the professional component of the imaging services provided, including the name of the provider and the amounts billed for each service.

Contention

While proponents argue that the bill promotes transparency and protects patients from unexpected costs, there may be concerns around the administrative burden it places on healthcare providers. Some stakeholders may feel that the requirements could complicate the process of providing necessary medical imaging services or lead to increased costs for compliance. Debate may arise regarding how these measures will affect patient access to imaging services, particularly in rural or underserved areas where provider resources are limited.