Mid City Times

Today, in Washington, D.C., Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, representing Texas's 24th district, spearheaded the reintroduction of the Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act (PURE Act). Joining her were representatives Brad Schneider of Illinois, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, Lori Trahan of Massachusetts, and senators John Cornyn from Texas and Maggie Hassan from New Hampshire. The proposed legislation seeks to modernize the healthcare system by expanding access to portable ultrasound diagnostic services.

Rep. Van Duyne emphasized the potential benefits, stating, “Portable ultrasound equipment provides medical professionals with the ability to diagnose conditions quickly and efficiently. However, outdated Medicare barriers have restricted the ability of healthcare providers to fully use this technology. The PURE Act will give healthcare providers the tools they need to offer more flexible and timely care to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and ultimately lower healthcare costs for both patients and taxpayers.”

Sen. Cornyn highlighted the importance for rural and disabled seniors: “By ensuring providers can be reimbursed for the transportation and setup of these exams, our legislation would help seniors in rural areas or living with disabilities receive timelier and more effective care.”

Rep. Schneider expressed his support for improved healthcare access, “Our seniors deserve access to convenient and medically appropriate healthcare services, regardless of where they reside. I am proud to introduce the PURE Act to modernize our health care system and promote inclusive access to diagnostic services for individuals who require portable ultrasounds."

Rep. Miller-Meeks conveyed the bill's significance for Medicare patients: “This bill levels the playing field for Medicare patients and increases access to x-ray, ultrasound, and EKG screenings to make sure beneficiaries get the at-home care they need, no matter where they live."

Rep. Trahan addressed the challenges faced by patients in accessing essential services: “When patients need lifesaving ultrasound services but can’t reach a hospital, they’re often left without other options. The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act closes that gap by enabling portable ultrasounds to reach patients directly at their bedsides."

The bill has garnered support from organizations like the American Portable Diagnostics Association and ADVION. Tamara Schwartz, Chairman of the American Portable Diagnostics Association, stated, “The PURE Act will help ensure our members can continue to meet the growing demand across the country for portable diagnostic services to allow seniors and our most vulnerable to receive the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes.”

Cynthia Morton, CEO of ADVION, noted the bill’s benefit for seniors in nursing facilities: “The PURE Act removes this barrier by ensuring portable ultrasound services can reach patients where they are, providing the physician with timely and critical diagnostic care without unnecessary and costly hospital visits."

The legislation seeks to align Medicare reimbursement policies for portable ultrasounds with those currently offered for portable x-ray services, as technological advances allow for portable ultrasounds to provide high-quality imaging at patients’ bedsides for various conditions.