TEMPORARY COVERAGE RESTORATION FOR PORTABLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM TRANSPORTATION.

SEC. 4559. TEMPORARY COVERAGE RESTORATION FOR PORTABLE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM TRANSPORTATION. (a) In General.—Effective only for electrocardiogram tests furnished during 1998, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall restore separate payment, under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act, for the transportation of electrocardiogram equipment (HCPCS code R0076) based upon payment methods in effect for such service as of December 31, 1996. (b) Determination.—By not later than July 1, 1998, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make a recommendation to the Committees on Commerce and Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate as to whether coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation should be provided under part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act. In making such recommendation, the Secretary shall take into account the study of coverage of portable electrocardiogram transportation conducted by the Comptroller General of the United States and other relevant information, including information submitted by interested parties.