HR 2807 · 99th Congress · Social Welfare
Medicare and Medicaid Second Opinion Act of 1985
Bill Progress
✓
Introduced2
Committee3
House Vote4
Senate5
EnactedLatest: For Further Action See H.R.3101.(1985-08-01)
Plain Language Summary
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Medicare and Medicaid Second Opinion Act of 1985 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit payment for a surgical procedure listed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless a second opinion regarding such surgery is obtained. Provides that the second opinion need not agree with the first opinion in order for payment to be made. Directs the Secretary to establish a list of at least ten surgical procedures to which the second opinion requirement applies. Directs the Secretary to enter into contracts with utilization and quality control peer review organizations under which such organizations serve as referral centers for the second opinions required by this Act. Permits the patient to choose any qualified physician, except one affiliated with the initial physician, to provide the second opinion. Provides that a second opinion need not be obtained: (1) if to delay surgery would be a risk to the patient; (2) if no physician is available, within reasonable limits, to provide the second opinion; and (3) if the surgery is to be performed on a patient who is a member of a health maintenance organization or competitive medical plan having a risk shari…
Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only
Cosponsors (2)
1 Democrat1 Republican