Amendment on Physician Self-Referral Remains Unclear

August 3, 2009 - It is unclear whether or not the amendment on physician self-referral to address the in-office ancillary services exemption will be offered when the committee reconvenes in September, reported the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Representatives Anthony Weiner (D-NY) and Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA) planned to offer an amendment on physician self-referral to address the in-office ancillary services exemption. The House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up H.R. 3200, however, the amendment was not offered during the mark-up, and the commission adjourned for recess last Friday, July 31.

Although acknowledging that 66 amendments remained outstanding before the committee, Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Cal.) decided to close off further consideration of amendments. The committee then voted on and passed H.R. 3200 with all amendments considered to that point and decided to reconvene in September.

At that time (Sept.), all consensus amendments not addressed prior to the congressional recess and agreed to by the Chairman will be presented to the committee. Those amendments that are not part of the Chairman’s consensus agreement may be considered at that time. Finally, any new amendments agreed to by Chairman Waxman and Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-TX) may also be considered.

The ACR said it will continue to work with congressional staff during the August congressional recess to clarify this issue and to pursue sensible-evidence based on general medical imaging reimbursement policy.

For more information: www.acr.org