Radiologist assistant role gets a legislative boost

Dave Pearson | | Health Imaging | Economics

Three months ago Rep. Pete Olson (R-Texas) introduced the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2016. On May 18, a bipartisan companion bill rolled out of the offices of Sens. John Boozman (R-Ark.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.). If passed, the measures would allow registered radiologist assistants to, essentially, become the PAs of radiology—with their services reimbursed accordingly.

In an interview with Arkansas Online, Scott Harter, MD, chief of radiology for Baptist Health, says the time has come.

“Medicare looks at one of these radiology assistants as if they were still at that radiology technologist level,” Harter told the outlet. “Their skill level is advanced beyond that, considerably advanced.”

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists is following the developments, and Arkansas Online has posted the May 18 news item online:

Boozman-sponsored bill adds radiologist assistants to Medicare list

Dave Pearson
Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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