The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) released the following statement in response to the multi-agency interim final rule released today, which misinterprets the intent of the “independent dispute resolution” process established in the No Surprises Act. The statement is attributable to Howard B. Fleishon, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors.
“Making a health plan’s calculated ‘qualifying payment amount’ — which does not reflect real world payment rates — the primary factor in independent dispute resolution arbitration will cause large imaging cuts and reduce patient access to care, regardless of their insurer.
“This rule violates the intent, if not the actual letter, of the No Surprises Act and shatters a rare bipartisan, industry-wide agreement for equitable provider-insurer dispute resolution. We look forward to working with other provider groups and the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and Treasury, and the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to bring regulatory implementation in line with what the new law actually demands.
“The ACR will work with other healthcare organizations to urge the Biden Administration to revise the rule and protect access for millions of patients.”