The Excellence in Diagnostic Imaging Utilization Act (HR 3705), introduced by Reps. Erik Paulsen (R- Minn.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah), would require ordering physicians to consult evidence-based appropriateness criteria via electronic clinical decision support (CDS) tools when ordering advanced imaging studies.
While the legislation requires the use of CDS, physicians would not be forced to follow the recommendations produced by the tools.
This standalone bill comes on the heels of a draft bill released in October that tied mandatory use of CDS to a repeal of the sustainable growth rate (SGR).
Paulsen said in a statement that the use of CDS, even without a mandate to follow the recommendations, would help “share best practices, improve clinical outcomes, reduce costs from unnecessary testing, and improve patient safety.”
The American College of Radiology (ACR) came out in support of HR 3705, and said the evidence-based ACR Appropriateness Criteria is continuously updated by multi-specialty panels of physicians, allowing them to serve as a national standard.
Congress will likely consider both HR 3705 and the SGR repeal bill early next year.
Evan joined TriMed in 2011, writing primarily for Health Imaging. Prior to diving into medical journalism, Evan worked for the Nine Network of Public Media in St. Louis. He also has worked in public relations and education. Evan studied journalism at the University of Missouri, with an emphasis on broadcast media.