Consolidated Appropriations Act: Two Victories for Radiology

The Consolidated Appropriations Act includes two important victories for radiologists: the rollback of the professional component of the multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) and the protection of mammography coverage for women aged 40-49. Currently, CMS applies a 25% reduction to the professional component of any advanced imaging study (CT, MRI, Ultrasound or combination thereof) performed on the same patient on the same day by the same radiology group. 

This new legislation will decrease the reduction from 25% to 5% starting in the calendar year 2017.  The Consolidated Appropriations Act also includes language that provides for mandatory insurance coverage for women aged 40 and over to obtain an annual screening mammography exam with no copay. The Act delays implementation of the USPSTF recommendations for women aged 40-49 for two years.