Echocardiography Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Classification 

Advanced diagnostic imaging services are high-resolution diagnostic procedures including MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine that require mandatory accreditation and specialized expertise due to their complex technology and critical role in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Despite providing high-resolution cardiac images with sophisticated Doppler, strain, and 3D capabilities, echocardiography is excluded from Medicare's definition of "advanced diagnostic imaging services" under Section 1834(e)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act. This outdated classification creates significant quality control gaps, allowing non-specialists without cardiac imaging expertise to perform complex echocardiograms without mandatory accreditation requirements. The result is inconsistent quality standards, increased risks of misdiagnosis, and unnecessary repeat testing that drives up healthcare costs. 

ASE urges Congress to amend Section 1834(e)(1)(B) to include echocardiography as an advanced diagnostic imaging service. This change would establish mandatory accreditation requirements, ensure qualified specialists perform these critical cardiovascular diagnostics, and implement proper utilization controls. Recognizing echocardiography's advanced capabilities would improve patient outcomes through higher quality standards while reducing healthcare costs by eliminating unnecessary testing caused by misdiagnoses and inadequate oversight.