[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICARE IMAGINE DISCLOSURE SUNSHINE ACT

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mrs. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce companion 
legislation to S. 3343, the Medicare Imagine Disclosure Sunshine Act of 
2008. This legislation would require physicians, at the time certain 
imaging procedures are ordered, to inform the patient of any ownership 
interest the physician may have in those imaging services and provide 
the patient with a list of other, local imaging providers.
  This legislation is based on recommendations by both the Medicare 
Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) and the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO).
  The Medicare Imaging Disclosure Sunshine Act will provide 
beneficiaries more transparency and disclosure of potential conflicts 
of interest when physicians write referrals for imaging services while 
also providing beneficiaries with the consumer-friendly option to 
choose when and where they seek an imaging procedure.
  Madam Speaker, I believe this legislation takes an important step 
toward a more transparent referral procedure, and in the coming weeks I 
plan to continue to work on this legislation with the committees of 
jurisdiction and stakeholders and revise it so that it achieves the 
best possible balance for physicians, beneficiaries, and the health of 
the Medicare system.

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