WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) issued the following statement in response to the inclusion of independent dispute resolution as part of a solution to surprise billing: 

“We are pleased that the Energy & Commerce Committee is recognizing the value of including an independent dispute resolution (IDR) process as part of a surprise billing solution. The amendment from Representatives Ruiz (D-Calif.) and Bucshon (R-Ind.) that was voted on today is a big step in the right direction. Despite the life-saving treatment provided to millions of Americans each day, the median in-network amount for an emergency physician’s services are almost always less than $1,250. 

"In order to ensure access to emergency care is protected, the qualifying threshold for using IDR must be lowered, or that process will remain out of reach on over 99 percent of the services provided by emergency physicians. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on achieving a balanced approach.”