Bill to weaken physician self-referral ban is introduced

AuntMinnie.com staff writers
Oct 2, 2000

A bill that could severely weaken prohibitions against physician self-referral in the U.S. will reportedly be attached to the Balanced Budget Act of 2000 package today, according to the American College of Radiology (ACR).

H.R. 2651, introduced July 29, 1999 by Rep. William Thomas (R-CA), could result in the loss of more than $400 million in savings that could be applied to urgent medical programs, the ACR said.

According to Dr. Harvey Neiman, chairman of the ACR Board of Chancellors, the legislation creates loopholes for physicians to refer patients for tests at their own facilities. Studies have shown that doctors who refer patients for tests at facilities where they have a financial interest are more likely to order tests than doctors who do not have a financial interest, Neiman said.

The self-referral law has been one of the most successful anti-fraud and abuse measures ever enacted, and the ACR will oppose any attempt to water it down, Neiman said. Rep. Thomas' office was not immediately available for comment.

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
October 3, 2000

Copyright © 2000 AuntMinnie.com

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