House bill seeks to recognize, reimburse RAs

Reps. Dave Reichert, (R-Wash.), Jim Matheson, (D-Utah), Pete Olson, ( R-Texas), and Bill Pascrell, (D-N.J.) introduced H.R. 3032, the “Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2011,” Sept. 22. The bill would require the Medicare program to recognize radiologist assistants (RAs) as non-physician providers of healthcare services to Medicare beneficiaries.

The bill would enable healthcare facilities and radiology practices to be reimbursed for RA-performed services. By establishing a reduced reimbursement level for the professional component of procedures performed by RAs, the bill could produce savings to the healthcare system.

H.R. 3032 is supported by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), as well as the American College of Radiology (ACR), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders (SRPE).

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