The Republican Doctors Caucus is urging Congress not to repeal the in-office ancillary services exception (IOASE) to federal physician self-referral regulations.
Axing the exception would reduce patient access to radiation and advanced imaging and increase costs, the caucus wrote in a letter sent to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) on June 28.
"This provision permits physician practices to provide critical services including radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and physical therapy in an integrated and coordinated fashion," the caucus wrote. "President Obama's budget proposes to repeal this provision. ... Limiting the IOASE would present significant barriers to appropriate screenings and treatments, increase inefficiencies, and make care less accessible."
