Dispatches for May 2025
ACR Impact Report
The ACR Impact Report is a snapshot of what the College is accomplishing for its members and the patients they serve — advancing the specialty by meeting members’ needs.
Accomplishments in 2024 include: efforts shaping healthcare policy, tireless advocacy, groundbreaking research, convenient educational offerings and a commitment to successfully implementing new technologies.
Significant Workforce Shortage Remains an Issue in Pediatric Radiology
To better understand the current trend in the pediatric radiology workforce, researchers talked to roughly 2,000 imaging decision-makers and rank-and-file radiologists, publishing their findings in the JACR®. The survey, which was issued in early 2024, focused on ACR and RBMA members, leading to 1,927 responses. Of these responses, 1,107 came from rank-and-file radiologists, 535 decision-makers, over 350 partners/owners of radiology practices and 285 retired radiologists.
Eleven percent of the imaging decision-makers said that pediatric radiology is a top-three hiring need, increasing from 10% in 2022 and 9% in 2021. Despite these seemingly low numbers, researchers noted that they’re still up from the normal presence that pediatrics holds 2024in the radiology workforce, which is 3–4%.
ACR Foundation Goldberg-Reeder Resident Travel Grant
Are you an ACR member-in-training interested in providing volunteer service in low- to middle-income countries? The ACR Foundation Goldberg-Reeder Resident Travel Grant program, which is funded by vRad’s First Read Initiative, provides travel grants to members-in-training seeking to spend a month advancing radiology in one of these countries.
All applications must be received no later than June 30. Apply today. For more information, contact Meredith Amos.
2026 ACR Foundation Global Humanitarian Award Application Open
The ACR Foundation Global Humanitarian Award recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and programs working to improve access to and equitable delivery of quality radiological services to areas of need throughout the world. The World Health Organization estimates that half of the world’s population lacks access to radiological services.
Deserving applicants will be awarded at the 2026 ACR Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. Awards are given in three categories: individual physicians and non-physicians involved in radiologic services (including medical physicists, radiologic technologists, ultrasonographers, and other radiological personnel) and organizations (including non-profit and industry groups) Apply here. The deadline for applications is Aug. 31.
If you have any questions, please contact Meredith Amos.
2025 Medical Student Research Fair
Join the ACR Medical Student Section Education Subcommittee for the third annual Virtual Research Fair on June 28. Medical students will present and discuss their ongoing and published projects that inspire them to pursue a career in radiology.
Leaders in the field will also provide insight and guidance on research and radiology. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experts.
Register today and consider submitting your research by June 9.
Implementing Expanded Medicare CTC Coverage
Whenever changes are made to services or procedures, ACR wants to help guide members on the correct way to navigate and process the new information. CMS released Change Request (CR) 13939/Transmittal 13097 to let Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) know about its decision to expand coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests National Coverage Determination (NCD) 210.3. The guidance instructs MACs to allow coverage for screening CT colonography (CTC) CPT® code 74263, effective Jan. 1 and ensure coinsurance and deductibles are waived. MACs have until July 1 to implement this policy change.The College encourages its members to offer the CTC screening test as an option to patients who would benefit from early detection of colorectal cancer but for whom traditional colonoscopy is not a good option.
A Users Guide for CPT® Codes for MRI Safety
The American Journal of Neuroradiology has released a guide to help practices report the new MRI Safety CPT® codes, which became available in 2025. These codes recognize the time, work, and expertise associated with safely performing MR studies on patients with certain types of implanted devices. This new guide outlines how to properly use these codes so practices can be reimbursed for the extensive safety screening, planning, and exam customization required of their physicians and clinical staff when these patients need MR examinations.
ACR Salutes the Military Radiology Community Worldwide
On behalf of the entire ACR Military Radiology Committee
On Memorial Day 2025, the ACR proudly recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of military radiologists and technologists who have helped defend our nation for the last 127 years.
From the Spanish-American War of 1898 to present, radiologists and radiologic technologists have stood side by side with their comrades in arms in every war and campaign. Modern combat radiologists are force multipliers, serving as specialist doctors and leaders in both peace and war.
Since its inception in 2018, the ACR Military Radiology Committee has passionately advocated for military radiology, both inside and outside the ACR. From creating a unique pathway to FACR to establishing a lecture series and mentorship program for military residents, the committee continues to create a vital link between the ACR and the military community.
Learn about the vital roles played by our active duty, reserve and retired/separated military radiologists in their continued service to the nation.