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Adds ultrasound to the federal definition of diagnostic imaging and directs Medicare to make a separate payment for portable ultrasound transportation and set‑up services, using the same approach currently used for portable X‑ray services. The Department of Health and Human Services must also set supplier requirements for portable ultrasound that are substantially similar to existing rules for portable X‑ray providers. The changes apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2027.
The bill improves access and quality for portable ultrasound by creating a separate Medicare payment and standardizing supplier rules, but it increases federal spending and may raise costs for beneficiaries and some providers.
Medicare beneficiaries will have increased access to portable ultrasound because Medicare would create a separate payment that covers transportation and set‑up, reducing barriers to in‑home and facility‑based imaging.
Providers and suppliers of portable ultrasound (hospitals, imaging suppliers) will get a dedicated, predictable reimbursement stream, improving financial incentives to offer portable ultrasound services.
Patients with chronic conditions and other users of portable ultrasound will likely see more consistent quality and safety because supplier requirements are standardized (similar to portable X‑ray rules).
Taxpayers and Medicare beneficiaries face higher federal Medicare spending due to a new separate payment, which could create fiscal pressure and lead to offsetting cuts or higher premiums/coinsurance over time.
Small provider businesses and some hospitals may face new compliance costs to meet the supplier requirements, which could raise prices or drive smaller providers out of the market.
Medicare beneficiaries could face higher out‑of‑pocket costs for portable ultrasound if coinsurance applies to the new separate payment, increasing cost burdens for some patients.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Beth Van Duyne · Last progress March 27, 2025