CURRENT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PROJECTS
As a leader in credentialing for radiologic technologists, ARRT believes it’s important to advocate for the profession and patients. We’re working with state and federal governments on a range of important initiatives.
ADVOCATING FOR RADIOLOGIST ASSISTANTS
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses only for the work radiologist assistants (RAs) perform under a radiologist’s personal supervision. That’s the most stringent level of supervision—requiring the radiologist be in the room when the RA performs the procedure.
ARRT supports legislation to make CMS reimbursement rules consistent with state laws regarding RA supervision levels. In other words, we support reducing supervision levels from personal to direct. The latter designation requires only that a physician be in the facility and immediately available to assist.
That change creates greater efficiency in radiology practices by allowing RAs to make the most of their training. Passing this type of legislation would enable radiologists to spend their time on the functions that only radiologists can provide, while RAs provide high quality, cost effective care for Medicare beneficiaries. That will increase patients’ access to care, especially in rural areas.
Learn more about this important RA legislation.
STATE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
At ARRT, we believe that state licensing and ARRT requirements elevate the profession and protect patients. Our Government Affairs Department works with states that don’t yet require technologists to hold credentials or state licenses. Efforts are ongoing in Missouri, and we’ll seek additional opportunities with other states for the 2017 legislative session.
REQUIREMENTS UNDER MIPPA
Although ARRT isn’t involved in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA), we receive many questions on the topic. Since Jan. 1, 2012, MIPPA has required accreditation of all nonhospital providers of CT, MRI, breast MRI, nuclear medicine, and PET exams under Part B of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Nonaccredited providers won’t receive payment for the technical component of those services.
The Department of Health and Human Services named four organizations as accreditors: American College of Radiology (ACR), Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), The Joint Commission (TJC), and RadSite. Check the organizations’ websites to determine certification requirements.
LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED
If you have questions about our government affairs projects, or if you’d like to know more, email our Government Affairs Department or call us at 651.687.0048, ext. 3138. We also encourage you to contact your representatives and voice your support for these initiatives. Learn more about how to get involved.