AHA, AMA, to CMS Re: Implementation of the Appropriate Use Criteria for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services

On behalf of our member physicians, nurses, hospitals and health systems, the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) are contacting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the implementation of the appropriate use criteria (AUC) for advanced diagnostic imaging services mandated under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA). Due to the reduction in imaging services and the technological and financial strain placed on providers by the COVID-19 public health emergency, we urge CMS to delay the January 1, 2021, AUC implementation date by at least one year to allow providers the opportunity to implement and test operational changes and acquire the education necessary to achieve compliance with the program.