Through its Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), NEMA is the leading organization and collective voice of medical imaging equipment and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers, innovators and product developers. It represents companies whose sales make up more than 90 percent of the global market for advanced imaging technologies.

Repeated studies clearly demonstrate that medical imaging has transformed the practice of medicine as well as saved lives and lowered healthcare costs.

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, medical imaging is one of the top developments that "changed the face of clinical medicine" during the last millennium. Today, imaging is a cornerstone of quality care.

Medical Technology Research

Under the 2.3 percent medical device excise tax, device manufacturers are required to pay the IRS an estimated average of $194 million per month in medical device tax payments (with a payment of approximately $97 million due semimonthly). In a competitive global industry, this tax threatens an industry that contributes to more than 300,000 jobs nationwide, generates approximately $25 billion in payroll, pays out salaries that are 40 percent higher than the national average ($58,000 vs. $42,000) and invests nearly $10 billion in research and development annually.

Recommendation:  Restore investment research in medical technology through repeal of the 2.3 percent medical device excise tax.

Medicare Patient Health & Well Being

Medicare reimbursement rates for medical imaging procedures have been slashed 13 times since 2006, which threatens seniors' access to needed imaging services and undercuts the benefits of early detection. Protecting access to safe and effective medical imaging technologies is critical to detecting, diagnosing and treating cancers and the many other diseases that affect millions of lives.

Recommendation:  Ensure access to medical imaging by preventing across-the-board Medicare reimbursement cuts for imaging services.