Paulsen Introduces Legislation to Streamline and Enhance U.S. Healthcare Delivery

Bill Will Increase Transparency, Reduce Costs, and Improve Patient Safety

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today introduced legislation paving the way for a streamlined and enhanced Medicare delivery system. The Excellence in Diagnostic Imaging Utilization Act directs Medicare to put in place electronic clinical guidance for physicians ordering diagnostic imaging tests such as MRIs and CT Scans. By utilizing an easy-to-access, quick-to-use Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system, doctors will get immediate feedback and recommendations for the appropriate tests to administer when ordering a diagnostic imaging test. 

“There is nothing more frustrating than when a patient is told they need a particular test by their trusted physician only to be told by their insurance provider that they can’t get it. By following Minnesota’s lead and utilizing tools like Clinical Decision Support (CDS) we can share best practices, improve clinical outcomes, reduce costs from unnecessary testing, and improve patient safety. This important bill takes cutting edge steps to help ensure patients get the right test at the right time.”

Ordering physicians are not required to follow the recommendations from CDS, protecting the doctor-patient relationship, but regular reports and guidelines from the system will encourage doctors not to order unnecessary or excessive tests.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation, serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, the bicameral Joint Economic Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress and to view previous editions of Erik’s Correspondence Corner visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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