WASHINGTON (April 28, 2026)--CAP President Qihui “Jim” Zhai, MD, FCAP, released the following statement regarding the introduction of bipartisan legislation to reform Medicare’s local coverage determination (LCD) process:
“Medicare coverage decisions must be grounded in sound medical evidence and informed by physicians who understand the realities of patient care,” said Dr. Zhai. “This bipartisan legislation would improve the LCD process by strengthening transparency, increasing meaningful stakeholder engagement, and ensuring coverage policies are guided by qualified medical experts and completed in a timely manner.”
“These reforms would help protect patient access to medically-necessary diagnostic testing, including new and innovative tests, while safeguarding physicians’ clinical judgment. We appreciate the bipartisan leadership behind this effort and urge Congress to advance these long-overdue improvements.”