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AB 1570

Health care coverage: diagnostic imaging.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lori Wilson

California bill requires health insurers to eliminate or streamline prior authorization for diagnostic imaging services to accelerate patient access to necessary diagnostic tests.

From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 7).
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Bill Summary · AB 1570

Legislative bill overview

AB 1570 requires health insurance plans in California to cover diagnostic imaging services without prior authorization requirements or with streamlined prior authorization processes. The bill aims to reduce delays in patients accessing necessary imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans by removing administrative barriers between patients and their physicians' clinical judgments.

Why is this important

Diagnostic imaging delays can postpone critical diagnoses and treatment for serious conditions, potentially worsening patient outcomes. Streamlining access to these services addresses a common patient complaint about insurance bureaucracy while supporting physicians' clinical decision-making authority in determining necessary diagnostic tests.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Reducing prior authorization requirements could increase imaging utilization and associated healthcare costs, raising premiums for insurers and potentially consumers
  • Overutilization concerns: Without authorization gatekeeping, there may be increased unnecessary imaging orders, leading to unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare waste
  • Scope definition: Ambiguity about which diagnostic imaging services qualify and under what clinical circumstances could create implementation challenges and disputes between insurers and providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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