UnitedHealthcare updated its Designated Diagnostic Provider program for advanced diagnostic imaging services to exclude all pediatric patients, according to a June 12 American College of Radiology news release.
The program started in select states in 2022 and offered reduced cost-sharing benefits to patients who chose DDPs for advanced diagnostic imaging services. Patients who utilize non-DDP imaging centers incur greater costs.
Originally, the program exempted only pediatric patients under the age of 7. The American College of Radiology and American Academy of Pediatrics have spent more than a year meeting with UHC leadership to discuss the nature of pediatric imaging for patients under 18 years old, which makes it difficult for pediatric-focused imaging facilities to become DDPs, according to the release.
Starting May 1, UHC made an exemption for all pediatric patients.
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