U.S. Sens. Boozman, R-AR, and Luján, D-NM, have introduced the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act, or MARCA, in the U.S. Senate.
MARCA will help improve access to radiology care by ensuring radiologists receive Medicare reimbursement for services provided by radiologist assistants, supervised by a radiologist as part of a radiologist-led team. Reimbursement will occur regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is provided — a hospital, critical access hospital, ambulatory surgical center or other health care setting.
“MARCA will ensure radiology teams can fully utilize radiologist assistants to deliver high-quality, efficient and cost-effective care. RAs support radiologists by improving workflow and patient access, reducing wait times and reinforcing safety and quality — all while operating under radiologist supervision as part of a radiologist-led team,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE.
Along with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the American College of Radiology, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Society of Radiology Physician Extenders are working to pass this legislation.
An RA is a certified radiographer who has completed advanced education, clinical experience and certification to expertly and safely perform radiologic assessments and certain procedures that traditionally were performed only by radiologists.
Visit the ASRT Advocacy Action Center to contact your federal lawmakers.