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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 2477

Congress targets Medicare payments for portable ultrasound transport and setup starting in 2027

Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025

12 months ago·View on Congress.gov
⏸

Stalled

No legislative action in over 90 days.

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

Key Points

  • Congress would have Medicare treat portable ultrasound more like portable X-rays, including transportation and setup.
  • Medicare would pay separately for the cost of bringing a portable ultrasound machine to a patient and getting it ready to use.
  • The Health and Human Services Secretary would be told to set basic rules for companies that provide these portable ultrasound services, similar to existing rules for portable X-rays.
  • This could matter most for people who get care at home, in nursing homes, or other places where it’s hard to travel to a hospital or imaging center.
  • If passed, the change would start for services provided on or after January 1, 2027.
HealthcareMedicare Medicaid

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Positive Impacts(6)
Medicare
Helps
Chronic Illness
Helps
Retiree
Helps
Disability Benefits
Helps
Small Business Owner
Helps
Gig Worker
Helps

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Mar 27, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Mar 27, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

2027-01-01

Medicare coverage is updated to include diagnostic ultrasound tests in the referenced benefit category.

Helps align Medicare rules so ultrasound is treated more like X-ray for coverage purposes, supporting access to diagnostic ultrasound services.

2027-01-01

Medicare begins separately paying for portable ultrasound transportation and set-up services.

Mobile imaging providers can bill Medicare specifically for the travel and set-up work, which may make it easier to bring ultrasound to nursing homes and homebound patients.

Before or around the start date so billing can occur

The federal health agency sets supplier requirements for portable ultrasound transportation and set-up services (similar to portable X-ray supplier rules).

Suppliers may need to meet specific safety, staffing, and recordkeeping expectations to bill Medicare, which can affect which companies can offer the service in your area.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 2477
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(35)
D: 16R: 19

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.