ACR Position on LOCM Included in CMS Proposed Rule
As a direct result of the ACR's efforts to achieve universal Medicare coverage for low osmolar contrast medium (LOCM), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced in a July 27 proposed rule its intent to remove current restrictions on payment for LOCM, making this drug available to all Medicare beneficiaries. CMS has publicly recognized the College's stand that LOCM presents less risk of complications, such as flushing, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, and that its use has become standard practice among radiologists.
In the proposed rule, CMS states that, "according to the ACR, use of LOCM has become the standard in most radiology practices and benefits both physicians and patients."
"The benefits of uniform use of LOCM would include the reduction of patient discomfort arising when high osmolar contrast medium (HOCM) is used instead of LOCM and a reduction in physician resources now required to screen for high-risk patients," CMS said in the rule. "The price differential between HOCM and LOCM is also decreasing. Universal use of LOCM, along with declining prices, will result in an efficient and safer alternative to HOCM."
Should the proposed rule become final, universal coverage for LOCM will be effective January 1, 2005. The ACR will comment on this issue during the formal 60-day comment period on the proposed rule for 2005 and will write a full article on proposed changes for radiology and radiation oncology in an upcoming issue of the ACR E-Bulletin.