A coalition of radiologic science associations including the ASRT have urged leaders in U.S. House and Senate to take six key steps to stabilize and support the health care delivery system during the COVID-19 crisis.
In a letter dated May 8, 2020, the coalition asked the leaders to confront the public health and economic implications of the crisis by taking the following steps:
- Provide additional direct, focused financial support to physician and non-physician practices and their management partners, hospitals, and ASC’s across the health care delivery system.
- Waive budget neutrality for the Medicare payment changes for evaluation and management services that are slated to be implemented on Jan. 1, 2021.
- Support all essential medical imaging and radiology workers including radiographers, sonographers, computed tomography technologists, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists by providing HEROES/ hazard pay.
- Reduce liability for health care workers and emergency responders in this crisis.
- Temporary waiver of prior authorizations during pandemic/state of emergency.
- Delay appropriate use criteria.
Members of the coalition signatory to the letter include:
- American College of Radiology
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists
- The Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)
- Association for Quality Imaging
- Center for Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance
- Radiology Business Management Association
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging