Researchers say patient demand for the test and lag time between revisions to screening recommendations and implementation may be reasons for overuse.

Doctors say the $100 million the governor took from Mcare to balance the state budget is needed to cover outstanding liability claims.

The bill, which would base pay more closely on costs, now moves to the Senate. That chamber has already rejected a similar measure this year.

But American patients can access care more quickly than can those in many other countries, an international survey of doctors found.

The publicly run medical system said it must also cut employees and some specialty units to fill a budget deficit.

A coalition of physicians, nurses and pharmacists argues that the agency is delaying some patients' access to pain relief.