ACR Urges VA to Minimize Disruptions to the National Teleradiology Program

The American College of Radiology^® (ACR^®) sent a communication to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), that expresses support for the VA’s National Teleradiology Program (NTP). ACR strongly voiced the necessity that the VA continue providing remote imaging services in its implementation of an executive memorandum mandating a return to in-person work.

The NTP serves more than 130 VA medical centers across the U.S., as well as numerous outpatient clinics and community-based outpatient clinics. The College contends NTP is a crucial component of the Veterans Health Administration imaging services and is essential in serving rural and underserved veterans in locations where there is a well-documented shortage of radiologist physicians. ACR is concerned about the impact the VA’s implementation may have on veteran patients who rely on the NTP for access to physicians who remotely provide radiology services.

In the communication to the VA, ACR urges that an appropriate exception for radiologist physicians be granted to ensure veterans do not face longer wait times, reduced access to diagnosis and treatment, or an overall lower quality of care.

If you have questions, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Government Affairs Director.