WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), Rep. Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02) and Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03) introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics (FIND) Act of 2021 to expand access to highly-targeted, precision radiopharmaceutical diagnostics so patients can get the right treatment for diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, faster.

Radiopharmaceuticals are small amounts of radioactive material used to capture molecular-level images of what is happening in a patient’s body. Using radiopharmaceuticals during the diagnostic process can result in more accurate diagnoses, quicker treatment, higher quality care, and lower costs for patients and taxpayers.

The FIND Act would ensure adequate Medicare reimbursement to hospitals for procedures that use radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose, evaluate, and treat specific conditions as well as certain cancers. The bill is budget neutral, as the reimbursement change does not cost any taxpayer money.

“In San Diego and across the country, health care innovation has allowed doctors to diagnose, monitor, and treat some of the most aggressive and least understood diseases. Expanding access and affordability to these resources is critical,” said Rep. Peters. “Our bill will provide doctors with radiopharmaceutical diagnostic tools to help their patients find the answers they need to effectively and efficiently treat their illnesses.”

“We cannot tolerate a two-tiered health care system — one for the rich, and one for everyone else. Unfortunately, many low-income and minority patients are being denied access to the most efficient tests, therapies, and care due to the current payment structure for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals that makes it nearly impossible for many hospitals serving our most vulnerable populations to offer these life-saving diagnostics. The FIND Act is important legislation to help fix this disparity,” said Rep. Rush. “Alzheimer’s disease, prostate cancer, and other life-altering conditions have a disproportionate impact on Black Americans and other minority communities. Ensuring that the best diagnostic tools are available to identify these diseases in patients earlier, when they are the most treatable, is essential.”

“America leads the world in medical research and innovation – but far too often, patients are unable to access the benefits of innovative medical technologies because of outdated Medicare reimbursement policy,” added Rep. Dunn. “The FIND Act is a common-sense, bipartisan proposal to address these current reimbursement problems, giving patients access to the diagnostic tools they need, when they need them. Early detection saves lives and we must do what we can to expand access to these life-saving tools.”

“I am proud to co-lead this lifesaving legislation. As a physician, I have used diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals in my practice, and I have seen the significant health care benefits of this groundbreaking medical technology. It is critical that we change the Medicare reimbursement structure to allow increased access to these important diagnostic imaging tools for the most at-risk populations. Early diagnosis and treatment has been proven to improve health care outcomes, save lives, and lower the cost of medical treatments for patients. I urge my colleagues in the House to support our common-sense, bipartisan bill,” said Rep. Murphy.