1. Medtech Insight
  2. >>Policy & Regulation

GAO: Self-Referrals For Advanced Imaging Cause Medicare Costs To Rise

A Government Accountability Office report recommends CMS take direct measures to reduce Medicare spending on self-referred imaging services, but the Medicare agency is not on board with most of GAO’s ideas.

Physicians who self-referred patients for advanced imaging services accounted for notably more growth in utilization and spending for these services by Medicare between 2004 and 2010 than doctors who referred patients for imaging at practices in which they had no financial interest, according to an Oct. 31 Government Accountability Office report.

As a result of its investigation, GAO recommends CMS take direct measures to reduce Medicare spending on self-referred imaging services,...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Medtech Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Policy & Regulation

Survey Reveals Gaps In Medtech Compliance Processes

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

Medical device firms often have serious compliance gaps, a recent Veeva MedTech survey found. Only 50% of the companies surveyed are confident in their global registration data, with 70% reporting inconsistencies during audits. The report recommends automation and better data governance.

Environmental Group Questions FDA’s Stance On PFAS In Medical Devices

 
• By Brian Bossetta

The US FDA says PFAS used in medical devices are safe and that there’s no reason to restrict them in device production. An environmental group finds the agency’s assertion questionable.

FTC Blocks Edwards Lifesciences’ Merger With JenaValve

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The FTC is suing to block Edwards Lifesciences' purchase of JenaValve, citing concerns that it would reduce competition and innovation in the heart valve market and negatively impact patient access to vital treatments for aortic regurgitation. Edwards disagrees with the decision.

Swiss Medtech To Battle ‘Arbitrary’ 39% US Tariff

 
• By Ashley Yeo

In return for building a successful US export business, Switzerland has been handed a 39% tariff effective immediately by the Trump administration. Diplomatic channels have been reopened to undo the tariff. Meanwhile, the medtech industry is looking to develop OUS markets for Swiss exporters.

More from Medtech Insight

Roche Eyes 2026 FDA Nod After CE Mark For pTau181 Test To Boost Global Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

 
• By Shubham Singh

The Elecsys pTau181 test, which requires only a blood sample, provides a less invasive alternative to cerebral spinal fluid procedures. A negative result could rule out Alzheimer’s and help patients avoid further testing with CSF or PET scans.

FTC Blocks Edwards Lifesciences’ Merger With JenaValve

 
• By Elizabeth Orr

The FTC is suing to block Edwards Lifesciences' purchase of JenaValve, citing concerns that it would reduce competition and innovation in the heart valve market and negatively impact patient access to vital treatments for aortic regurgitation. Edwards disagrees with the decision.

Swiss Medtech To Battle ‘Arbitrary’ 39% US Tariff

 
• By Ashley Yeo

In return for building a successful US export business, Switzerland has been handed a 39% tariff effective immediately by the Trump administration. Diplomatic channels have been reopened to undo the tariff. Meanwhile, the medtech industry is looking to develop OUS markets for Swiss exporters.