The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act--H.R. 1148--introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 14, will let facilities bill Medicare for medical imaging services performed by qualified radiologist assistants under the direction of a supervising radiologist.
The legislation sets standards within the Medicare program for services provided by radiology physician extenders, reduces existing RA supervision restrictions and allows facilities to be reimbursed for the services RAs perform at 85 percent of the existing physician fee schedule rate.
Currently, 29 states license, regulate or recognize the RA as a member of the radiology healthcare team, according to an announcement by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Announcement