Blackburn, Baldwin Introduce Legislation Improving Patient Care And Access To Innovative Procedures

August 5, 2021

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) along with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the bipartisan Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act to improve patient access to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies.

 

“Innovative technology like diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals are important tools in detecting and treating diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. The FIND Act would increase patient access to more cost-effective treatment options while promoting further research and development opportunities for medical manufacturers. I’m pleased to support this effort to improve critical patient care for the Volunteer State,” said Senator Blackburn.

 

“Advanced nuclear medicine imaging procedures can improve health care outcomes by better identifying and diagnosing diseases, and helping inform more appropriate treatment plans," said Senator Baldwin. "I’m proud to introduce the FIND Act to expand access to this innovative technology and allow more Americans to benefit from earlier and clearer diagnosis."

 

BACKGROUND:

 

• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) operates with a flawed payment structure that discourages life-saving diagnostic radiopharmaceutical technology for patients.

• The FIND Act will address the existing payment inequity to ensure Tennesseans have access to the most advanced technology and medical treatment options.