News
Analysis for new in-office MRI, CT, PET disclosure requirements available
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires healthcare providers who perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) services in their offices and rely on the in-office exception to the physician self-referral or “Stark” law to disclose certain information to patients. Practice professionals must notify patients in writing at the time of referral that the patient has the right to receive these services elsewhere. They must also provide a list of alternate providers in the area where the patient resides. The law makes this requirement effective Jan. 1, 2010.
There are a number of questions surrounding this provision, and we expect further implementation announcements and possibly a formal rulemaking on this issue from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Until that time, our Washington Counsel Bob Saner has prepared an analysis to address ambiguities in the statute and to help practice professionals comply with the requirement. The MGMA Government Affairs department will continue to provide guidance on this issue as new information becomes available.
