The USA Today published an article on August 23, discussing controversies surrounding physician ownership of imaging equipment. This article features NASS Advocacy Committee Member John Finkenberg, MD and highlights current restrictions and new federal disclosure requirements for physician owned imaging equipment. Dr. Finkenberg purchased advanced diagnostic imaging equipment with his partners last year in an effort to, "work more closely with the technicians and give their patients immediate results."

The NASS Advocacy Committee is currently developing a position paper on physician ownership of imaging equipment.

NASS believes that fully disclosed and ethical referral maintains the appropriate barrier to unnecessary ordering of tests. Just as a patient has the right to choose their physician, the tests and treatments a patient receives should be the decision of the patients in consultation with that physician. The patient should also have the right, after being given all options and relevant disclosures, to determine where they want to be tested and treated.

View the entire article by clicking here. For more information on NASS' efforts on physician ownership contact the NASS Advocacy staff through e-mail or (630) 230-3671.