Medical Imaging Advocates Fight Proposals Requiring Advanced Authorization

As the congressional super committee considers ways to cut Medicare spending, one issue that has been raised is to cut back on imaging services that some experts say are overused by physicians. But an industry study released Tuesday maintains that one tactic that has been suggested — the use of prior authorization for imaging services – doesn’t save money.

The report, financed by the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition, also suggests that it may cost more to run such programs than is often recovered. Prior authorization requires physicians and other practioners to get permission first before performing a service such as medical imaging.

Click here to read the full article