The Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC) strongly opposes President Trump’s 2019 budget provision that expands “site neutral” payments geared toward reducing Medicare payments for imaging services in particular outpatient settings, according to a Feb. 21 release.

“Expanding the site neutral policy will impact rural and safety net hospitals, further limiting access to critical services for underserved patients,” said Tim Trysla, executive director of AMIC in the release. “Reimbursing hospital-based facilities at the same rate as physician offices undermines the longstanding principle that those facilities should be reimbursed based on the costs of providing care and the additional regulatory requirements they face.”

Strong opposition to this provision falls in line with the group’s member base who stress policies that maintain patient access to medical imaging services.