CMS Launches Ditch the Disk Imaging Exchange Workgroup

CMS launched a Diagnostic Imaging Acceleration ("Ditch the Disk") Workgroup July 27, to focus on making imaging data seamlessly and electronically retrievable across organizations, within clinical workflows and by patients. 

The initiative is modeled on goals long championed by the ACR®-led #DitchTheDisk campaign, launched in 2019 with participation from RSNA and industry partners. The campaign promoted electronic access to diagnostic-quality images through advocacy, standards development, industry collaboration and social media outreach. Today, ACR and other provider organizations continue to support its goals through a variety of related initiatives.

CMS announced the Ditch the Disk Workgroup as part of its broader Health Tech Ecosystem initiative, which includes a series of voluntary pledges to improve health data interoperability and patient access to information.

For more information about health IT policy, contact Michael Peters, ACR Senior Director, Government Affairs.