WASHINGTON, D.C. - Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), issued the following statement regarding the release of President Barack Obama's proposed budget:

"We applaud the President's commitment to health reform and for recognizing the health care delivery system is in need of improved efficiencies and preventive care as well as a greater emphasis on quality - all goals AdvaMed supports and included in our own health reform plan.

"Achieving these goals will not be easy and should not mean compromising quality or limiting medical progress. That's why the details of the many constructive proposals in the budget to change incentives in the health care system are critical. We look forward to working with the Administration and the Congress to make sure that implementation of these sweeping changes protects quality and assures continued innovation while significantly reducing cost growth over time.
"One troublesome proposal in the budget would require preauthorization of Medicare imaging studies by private utilization review firms. To turn this kind of control over physician decisions to private, for-profit entities would be an unprecedented step for Medicare. We urge the President to await results from a Medicare demonstration program designed to increase physician adherence to guidelines on the delivery of appropriate imaging.

"Providing health care coverage to all Americans and reducing health care cost growth is a national priority and we welcome the opportunity to share with the Administration and Congress our ideas about delivering the best that American medical care has to offer to all patients in a manner that supports continued medical innovation and quality care."

AdvaMed member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming health care through earlier disease detection, less invasive procedures and more effective treatments. Our members produce nearly 90 percent of the health care technology purchased annually in the United States and more than 50 percent purchased annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to the smallest medical technology innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.advamed.org.

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