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Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA)

The Radiologists Assistant (RA)

In 2002, to optimize radiologist workload and help practices meet growing imaging demand, ACR worked with radiologic technologist societies to create the Radiologist Assistant (RA) profession. ACR continues to work with these societies to ensure that RAs work as part of a radiologist-led team.

RAs were recognized by Medicare in 2019 to perform diagnostic imaging services under direct radiologist supervision.  However, radiology practices that employ RAs cannot submit claims for procedures or other services RAs perform for supervising radiologists in hospitals where they normally work.

Congressional legislation is needed to overcome these administrative hurdles.

The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA)

The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) supports passage of the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (S. 4624). “MARCA” calls for Medicare payment directly to the radiologists for services in which radiologist assistants (RAs) participated.

If passed, MARCA would enable RAs to furnish services when delegated by and under the supervision of a radiologist in jurisdictions authorizing radiologist assistants to practice. The bill also defines RA training and scope of practice.

  • Medicare Payment Is for Services Rendered by A Radiologist-Led Team – that Includes an RA Component.
  • RAs Do Not Supervise nor Interpret Exams.
  • RAs Are Not Independent Practitioners.
  • RAs Always Practice Under the Supervision of a Radiologist.

ACR Opposes Imaging Supervision or Interpretation by Any Non-Physician Provider 

RAs are trained radiographers who can extend the reach of on-site radiologists and enable radiologists to focus on the services only these highly-trained physicians can provide – including imaging recommendation, supervision and interpretation.

  • RAs complete advanced education and training that includes a rigorous academic program with a nationally-recognized curriculum and a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship.
  • RAs must pass a nationally-recognized certification examination and complete continuing education programs. No other non-physician practitioner gets as much specialized training in radiology services.