Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state's largest healthcare payer, implemented a policy mandating physicians to undergo a pre-approval process for imaging services before they order tests, which incited opposition from physicians, according to KITV News.
Here are six highlights:
1. Physicians claim the new policy puts patients' lives at risk.
2. HMSA claims it imposed the new policy to limit patients' possible exposure to radiation, excessive testing and unnecessary expenses.
3. A National Imaging Associates study found Hawaii physicians ordered 30 percent more imaging services than needed.
4. However, Health Policy Institute research revealed Hawaii was below the national average for imaging for Medicare and Medicaid patients.
5. Physicians are urging HMSA to work more closely with the medical community to determine if physicians are effectively using imaging technology.
6. In a letter, HSMA's chief medical officer stated the pre-authorization program is temporary and is still undergoing evaluation.
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