This bill will amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for payment to the employer for services performed by a radiologist assistant under the Medicare program.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American College of Radiology and Society of Radiology Physician Extenders are working together to support the enactment of MARCA.
In late 2018, Medicare amended its payment policy to adjust the radiologist supervision levels for radiologist assistants. Currently, radiologists who employ RAs are unable to submit claims to Medicare for nondiagnostic services performed by RAs they directly supervise in both the hospital and office setting, as well as for diagnostic services in hospitals.
By no longer separating radiologist assistant reimbursement policies into different payment categories by service location, MARCA would enable radiologists to devote more focused time to reviewing and interpreting complex medical images or urgent cases, thus increasing patients’ access to care. RAs will be able to work more efficiently, and Medicare patients will receive care from qualified RAs regardless of the facility in which their procedure takes place.
As part of earning a registered radiologist assistant credential, one must meet the following educational requirements:
- Earn a master's or doctoral degree.
- Be certified and registered with ARRT in radiography.
- Have at least two years of acceptable, full-time clinical experience in radiography.
- Complete an ARRT-approved radiologist assistant education program.