Radiology Groups Urge HHS to Support Image Sharing

Radiology and nuclear medicine organizations urged HHS to help advance electronic sharing of diagnostic images and move away from CDs and other physical media. ACR^®, the Radiological Society of North America, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging recommended in response to an HHS request for information that the agency use existing federal programs and initiatives to support seamless exchange of diagnostic‑quality medical images among providers and systems. They pointed to tools such as health IT certification, national data standards and network‑to‑network exchange, which often focus on EHR technologies and data but do not consistently support medical imaging.

The groups said disc‑free image sharing would reduce burdens on patients and providers, improve access to complete medical records and support timely, high‑quality care. They also stressed the need to advance interoperability without creating new costs or compliance pressures for smaller or resource‑limited providers.

For more information, contact Michael Peters, ACR Senior Director of Government Affairs.