Mid City Times

Yesterday, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne introduced a bill to improve access to diagnostic services for Medicare beneficiaries. The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity (PURE) Act seeks to update Medicare reimbursement policies to include portable ultrasound procedures. This bipartisan legislation was presented in the House by Representatives Beth Van Duyne, Brad Schneider, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Lori Trahan, and in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn and Maggie Hassan.

Congresswoman Van Duyne emphasized the importance of modernizing healthcare systems: "Our bill offers an important step to modernize our health care system and ensure seniors receive the high-quality care they deserve." She noted that recognizing portable ultrasounds under Medicare’s reimbursement structure would enhance care for vulnerable populations while reducing unnecessary hospital visits.

Senator Cornyn highlighted the role of portable ultrasounds in diagnosing critical conditions: "By ensuring providers can be reimbursed for the transportation and set up of these exams, our legislation will help Medicare beneficiaries receive more efficient and effective care."

Congressman Schneider expressed his support for timely access to medical services: "I am proud to help introduce the PURE Act to promote greater access to diagnostic services for individuals who require an ultrasound at home."

Congresswoman Miller-Meeks supported expanding healthcare access in rural areas: "This bill levels the playing field for Medicare patients and increases access to x-ray, ultrasound, and EKG screenings."

Congresswoman Trahan addressed accessibility issues: "The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act closes that gap by enabling portable ultrasounds to reach patients directly at their bedsides."

Tamara Schwartz from the American Portable Diagnostics Association praised this legislative effort: “APDA applauds Sen. Cornyn, Sen. Hassan, Rep. Van Duyne, Rep. Schneider, Rep. Miller-Meeks and Rep. Trahan for their bipartisan leadership.”

The PURE Act aims to align Medicare policy with technological advancements that have made portable ultrasound machines more efficient. Currently, outdated policies do not allow providers of portable diagnostic services reimbursement for these procedures.