ACR Opposes Focus of Recently Introduced Imaging Services Transparency Act

While the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) supports greater healthcare transparency, the ACR opposes the Imaging Services Price Transparency Act as introduced July 25 by U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH). ACR asserts the legislation in its current form prioritizes price over quality as the primary factor in patients determining where to receive their imaging services. The College believes determining where to get an imaging service should be based on quality factors such as facility accreditation, updated and well-maintained equipment, and the expertise of the physician interpretating the study.

The bill would require hospitals and other medical providers to make public the price of imaging services such as X-ray, MRI and CT scans. There are adequate price transparency policies in place, and medical service prices will continue to be available through existing policies. ACR is concerned that the Imaging Services Price Transparency Act will result in additional administrative requirements that do not actually achieve price transparency goals.

The bill was referred to the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, where it will be incorporated into the Health Care Price Transparency Act of 2023 (H.R. 4822).

ACR will continue to work with the Ways and Means Committee toward a solution that accomplishes the goal of transparency without adversely affecting the public’s access to timely and quality imaging services. ACR staff are encouraged that this mutual goal can be reached as meetings with the committee prior to introduction yielded a three-year delay to the implementation date from the original draft.

For more information, contact Josh Cooper, ACR Vice President, Congressional Affairs.