Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023
Impact
If passed, HB 977 would revert to the prior legal framework surrounding physician referrals under Medicare. This shift could enhance hospital access to referrals from physicians, thereby increasing patient choices and potentially improving healthcare access and quality in regions affected by these provisions. This change may have broader implications for Medicare's operational structure and how referrals are managed within healthcare networks, especially in hospitals.
Summary
House Bill 977, titled the 'Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2023', aims to repeal specific provisions established by past healthcare reform laws that limit Medicare exceptions to certain physician referrals for hospitals. This bill seeks to restore the original provisions, effectively reversing changes made by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act. The bill underscores a legislative intent to enhance access to care and potentially streamline referral processes for physicians treating Medicare beneficiaries.
Contention
However, the bill does not come without opposition. Critics may raise concerns about the implications of loosening restrictions on physician referrals. There could be worries about potential conflicts of interest, wherein physicians might refer patients to hospitals in which they have financial investments or interests, which could undermine the integrity of the referral process. The discussions surrounding HB 977 are likely to reflect a broader debate on balancing access to care against maintaining ethical practices within the healthcare system.