[ladyjane]

We’ll see if that’s not correct.

My understanding is physicians will not be able to perform a test or procedure on patients who do not meet certain criteria, e.g., age. If they do the test anyway and the patient pays for it the physician will risk prison.

[Notary Sojac]

Check this out, it has been part of Medicare for many years: http://www.cpmc.org/services/pfs-abn.html

Note especially the language:

The “bad news” is that Medicare probably will not pay. The “good news” is that you now have the opportunity to choose whether or not to receive the service or item. The ABN helps you to make an informed consumer decision about whether to obtain the service or item and be prepared to pay for it (that is, either out of your own pocket or by your other insurance coverage) or to choose not to receive it.