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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 10, 2023 12:30 PM |
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| From: | Senator Nick Miller and Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Endometriosis Care Package |
| Soon, we will be introducing legislation that will help women who may have symptoms of endometriosis, get the proper testing and excisions and ensures that OB/GYN’s get required continuing education on Endometriosis. The cause of endometriosis is unknown. On average, there is a 7-10-year delay in diagnosis. While multiple theories exist to its etiology as the disease is multifactorial, these should be taken as hypotheses that need further research to be validated. Endometriosis affects people mostly in their reproductive years (aged 12-52) and can even affect those in their youth. Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility. Endometriosis has been found in every body part/organs. Many insurance companies require patients to endure multiple, failed treatment methods, including over-the-counter, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), birth control (this maybe in the form of pills, injections, or IUDs)-birth control does not cure endometriosis, it may help some women and their symptoms; but is not a one size fits all “treatment.” and ineffective surgeries as part of the step therapy process. Further, patients may be required to obtain prior authorization for diagnostic procedures and treatments, serving to delay or obstruct their access to critical care. Doctors may practice poor management of endometriosis by delaying the surgery necessary to confirm a diagnosis, instead, treating patients’ symptoms with pain medications and birth control (via other methods namely)-pills. Such practices fail to prevent the progression of endometriosis into more severe disease, more diffuse spread of the disease lesions, including cancer and infertility. Additionally, they do not account for the high cost of such delays to both patients and society. The cost of living following diagnosis increases greatly, however; endometriosis is not recognized as a disability or something in which people with this diagnosis can have reasonable accommodations to function/work creating an economic impact on endo sufferers. It is estimated that the untreated symptoms, delayed diagnoses and poor patient care associated with endometriosis cost the nation $78 billion each year. We will be introducing two pieces of legislation that would require coverage of endometriosis testing and procedures and continuing ed requirements on endometriosis by OB/GYNS. Please join us in sponsoring this life saving legislation. |
Document #1
| Description: | The first bill would establish a criteria for which, patients would receive endometriosis testing, scans, and procedures. By establishing a criteria to test, we would provide patients who have symptoms of endometriosis a pathway to a higher quality of life. |
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Document #2
| Description: | The second bill would require OB/GYNs to receive continuing education in endometriosis care and research as it relates to endometriosis patients. |
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