News

CSRT Supports the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA)

Tue, 03/01/2022 - 13:34

The California Society of Radiologic Technologists (CSRT) urged members of congress to support the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA) introduced by Representative Michael Doyle (D-PA).

Without complete Medicare reimbursement for RA services made to radiology practices employing RAs as members of the radiologist-led team, the profession is in peril. Radiologists who employ RAs are unable to submit claims to Medicare for non-diagnostic services performed by RAs they directly supervise in both the hospital and office setting, as well as for diagnostic services in hospitals. As a direct result of Medicare’s current policy, RAs are losing their jobs and are unable to practice to the full extent of their capabilities. Medicare patients are not receiving the full benefit of care provided by qualified and experienced radiology professionals.

H.R. 3657 provides for complete Medicare reimbursement allowing RAs to be fully utilized as part of the radiologist-led team to provide high quality, efficient and cost-effective care to patients. RAs are rigorously educated with a radiologist-supervised clinical preceptorship and nationally certified. RAs help to reduce delays in care for procedures and consultations and are specially trained in radiation safety and image quality that affects the diagnostic value of patient examinations. This unique and essential training ensures the best image at the lowest possible radiation dose.

The adoption of MARCA would also enable radiologists to devote more focused time to reviewing and interpreting complex medical images or urgent cases, thus increasing patient access to care. RAs will be able to work more efficiently and to the full extent of their education, and Medicare patients will receive care from qualified RAs regardless of the facility in which their procedure takes place.

This legislation is supported by the radiology stakeholder community including, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders, as well as 114 other national, state, and local organizations.

For more information visit https://cqrcengage.com/asrt/marca