SC S0732

Requires hospitals and healthcare facilities to implement protocols for pediatric patients before recommending X-ray imaging, including determining clinical necessity, considering alternatives like ultrasound or MRI, checking imaging history to avoid duplicates, and discussing benefits and risks with parents

Places diagnostic imaging decisions for pediatric patients in the discretion of healthcare providers in consultation with parents, not insurance companies

Mandates all individual and group health insurance policies and HMOs in South Carolina cover pediatric diagnostic imaging as recommended by healthcare providers under this act

Subjects insurers who willfully violate coverage requirements or deny claims for recommended pediatric diagnostic imaging to administrative penalties under Section 38-2-10

Confirms pediatric diagnostic imaging is a covered and reimbursable service under Medicaid's Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment Program and Medicare for children with End-Stage Renal Disease