Chevy Chase, MD—The Endocrine Society strongly endorses new legislation introduced today by Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) that would delay deep cuts in medical imaging services to Medicare patients, which went into effect on January 1, 2007.

The Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007, which was also introduced by Rep. Joseph Pitts (R-PA) and Rep. Gene Green (D-TX), would direct Medicare to halt further implementation of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 imaging payment reductions for two years.

"The Endocrine Society applauds Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy's leadership and commitment to ensuring patient access to necessary cost saving preventive healthcare services,” said Society President Dr. Leonard Wartofsky.

The Access to Medicare Imaging Act of 2007 is an important step forward to preserve patient access to cutting edge life-saving technologies that save costs in the overall treatment of disease.

Prior to introducing this important legislation, Congresswoman McCarthy stated, "I want to thank organizations such as The Endocrine Society for their support and expertise in the development of this key legislative proposal that will protect access to necessary diagnostic and life-saving procedures."

Among its many healthcare implications, this legislation specifically restores patient access to imaging services that diagnose and help in the treatment of osteoporosis. Should the DRA cuts be fully implemented in 2010, reimbursement for osteoporosis scanning—known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)—would be cut by 75 percent. This would mean that many endocrinologists would no longer be able to afford to perform these scans in their offices, restricting access to this critical medical screening for tens of thousands of women.

The legislation also directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the impact of the DRA payment reductions on patient access and service issues. More than 35 other Members of the House of Representatives cosponsored this legislation.

In December of 2005, Congress passed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA), which reduced government spending by about $35 billion from 2006-2010. Included as a provision in this measure were significant cuts to Medicare reimbursement for imaging services. Part of this provision would reduce payment for imaging services performed in a physician’s office.

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Founded in 1916, The Endocrine Society is the world's oldest, largest, and most active organization devoted to research on hormones and the clinical practice of endocrinology. Today, The Endocrine Society's membership consists of over 14,000 scientists, physicians, educators, nurses and students in more than 80 countries. Together, these members represent all basic, applied, and clinical interests in endocrinology. The Endocrine Society is based in Chevy Chase, Md. To learn more about the Society, and the field of endocrinology, visit our web site at www.endo-society.org.