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Adds ultrasound to Medicare's definition of diagnostic imaging and requires Medicare to pay separately for portable ultrasound transportation and set‑up services in the same way it pays for portable X‑ray services. Directs HHS to set supplier requirements for portable ultrasound that are substantially similar to existing portable X‑ray supplier rules and makes these changes effective for services furnished on or after January 1, 2027. The first section of the bill only establishes a short title and does not create new spending or legal obligations beyond the amendments.
The bill expands and standardizes Medicare payment for portable ultrasound—improving beneficiary access and care quality and encouraging provider participation—while increasing federal spending and creating potential additional costs for beneficiaries and smaller suppliers.
Medicare beneficiaries gain easier access to portable ultrasound services through a new separate payment for transportation and set-up, expanding imaging availability in homes and non-traditional settings.
Providers and suppliers of portable ultrasound receive a dedicated Medicare payment, improving reimbursement predictability and creating a stronger financial incentive for more providers to offer portable ultrasound services.
Standardizing supplier requirements for portable ultrasound (similar to portable X‑ray rules) promotes consistent quality and patient safety across providers.
The new separate Medicare payment will increase federal Medicare spending, adding fiscal pressure that could require offsets, higher premiums, or cuts elsewhere over time.
If Medicare coinsurance applies to the new payment, Medicare beneficiaries could face higher out‑of‑pocket costs for portable ultrasound visits.
Suppliers may incur new compliance costs to meet the specified supplier requirements, which could raise prices or deter smaller providers from offering portable ultrasound services.
Introduced March 27, 2025 by Beth Van Duyne · Last progress March 27, 2025