Also during the second day of testimony, Thomas J. Miller, CEO, Workflow and Solutions Division, Siemens Healthcare spoke on several myths on medical imaging that Miller said could result in policy decisions that are contrary to Siemens' and the Administration's mutual goals of ensuring affordable, quality healthcare. Miller said these myths include: expensive diagnostic technologies increasing the cost of care. Miller said a diagnostic imaging procedure up front, even if expensive, often obviates long-term costs such as hospital stays and surgery. Regarding the notion that advanced imaging technology is increasing due to the financial self-interest of physicians, Miller said the increase has been due instead to diagnostic capabilities being integral to best clinical practice. Miller concluded with recommendations such as to reduce costs and overuse through creating a more efficient healthcare system through Healthcare Information Technology and to manage medical imaging utilization through physician-driven appropriateness guidelines. (See also DM 9554.)

The hearings concluded with witnesses including Patricia A. Gabow, M.D. Chief Executive Officer, Denver Health and Hospital Authority National Association of Public Hospitals, who emphasized that costs must be controlled in order to cover everyone, which can be achieved through waste-reduction tools and incentives. Dr. Gabow also spoke of the need to keep the sustainability of safety-net hospitals, whose role will likely expand in the time to implement full reform. John Arensmeyer, Founder and CEO of the Small Business Majority, expressed the desire of small business owners to obtain health care reform. Arensmeyer also applauded the discussion draft's comprehensive reform in controlling costs, creating a robust exchange, instituting insurance market reforms and establishing a workable system of shared responsibility. He emphasized that obligations, exemptions and tax credits should be helpful to small businesses and consistent with their ability to pay.


Based on the testimony from the Health Subcommittee.

Link: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=132&Itemid=72

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