A Culture of Professional Excellence
In my many years as a radiologist and as a member of the ACR, I've always respected the College's forward-thinking leadership and its willingness to be a leader for positive change in our profession and the care we provide our patients. However, there are times where our responsibility goes beyond the support we show for our fellow radiologists; we should also show support for those who assist us in our efforts.
In recent years, our profession has faced increasing workloads and a precarious shortage of radiologists. While the demand for imaging has been increasing by about 6% per year, the number of new radiologists has been increasing only by about 2% each year. The problem was further complicated by a similar alarmingly low figure in the number of new radiologic technologists, those individuals whom we rely on to properly carry out many of the procedures we draw on in daily practice.
Recognizing this problem, the ACR, in cooperation with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), took steps during its 2003 annual meeting to develop the groundwork for a new career path: the radiologist assistant (RA). This innovative opportunity would help alleviate much of the time pressure we currently experience, while providing an attractive opportunity for those looking to advance their career.
These individuals would work under a radiologist's supervision and be guided by specific criteria. They would be trained with the skills and knowledge to carry out specific radiology procedures, but would not have the authority to formally interpret images and privately bill.
As radiologists we have the responsibility of creating a culture of professional excellence and fostering an environment that encourages those who possess a passion for learning and a commitment to the high standards we set for patient care. We would be remiss, both personally and professionally, if we didn't encourage these individuals and provide them the opportunity to play a significant role in the health care setting. If we do not show the foresight that previous leaders of the ACR demonstrated, we are weakening ourselves by suppressing a new generation of professionals who want to make their unique contribution to radiology while allowing us to care more efficiently for our patients.
I'm proud to say that the development and acceptance of the RA concept has occurred more quickly than we envisioned. Later this year the first graduates from approved academic RA programs will be ready to join the radiology workforce. (For a complete progress report on the RA concept, see page 3 of this issue.)
While we are further along than we expected at this point, we must continue to work with ASRT and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to ensure that patient safety is never compromised and that each state has appropriate roles, responsibilities, and supervision levels as designed and approved by the participating organizations. Both the ACR and ASRT have been jointly meeting with CMS to discuss how the new RA position will be incorporated into the radiology practice and to ensure that radiology practices that use the services of RAs are in compliance with Medicare's supervision rules.
Two years since the ACR, ASRT, and ARRT helped create this new and exciting professional opportunity, the RA is on the verge of becoming the integral member of the radiology health care team that we envisioned. However, we must remember that the degree of our success will be only what our level of cooperation allows. I am honored to have played a part in this significant contribution to the profession that I hold in such high regard.