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Radiologist Assistants are experienced, registered radiologic technologists that have completed additional formal education, training, and certification requirements to become an advanced practice professional, also referred to as a mid-level provider. Commonly known as a Radiologist Assistant (RA) or Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA), our profession works diligently under the direct supervision of the radiologist to meet the ever-increasing demands on radiology departments. With our RT background and the core of the RA role we can provide optimal patient care, maintain radiation safety standards, and increase departmental efficiency.


Together, we wanted to collaborate and provide a safe place to speak openly. Coming from similar backgrounds with a foundation built on our experience as radiology technologists, we can provide a team-unified effort to assist each other. The more we can help each other the better we can provide for the future for our profession. We look forward to sharing the benefits and growth with those who work alongside us.


While many states currently recognize the profession, the RA role is not recognized by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a billable profession for outlined procedures. To achieve this, the RA needs immediate and continued support in passing national legislation with the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA). Unlike other Non-Physician Radiology Providers, the RA profession has no intent or desire to perform independently. Implementing MARCA would allow CMS to recognize the RA role, thus allowing only the radiologist to have the ability to bill for the services provided by an RA. A unified effort to maintain our radiologist-led team will ensure the success of our profession.


We look forward to collaboRAting with you!


ANYONE can support the RA by supporting MARCA today. Click on the link below and write your representatives today!
https://cqrcengage.com/asrt/marca
Welcome to the CollaborationRA Podcast!

Welcome to the CollaborationRA Podcast!

TUNE IN WEEKLY AND JOIN IN THE CONVERSATIONS! As imaging professionals, we felt it would be nice to have a safe space to open up conversation and really get to meet those practicing in our departments. Want to come on? CollaborationRA has an open mic policy and we would love to converse with you!

Want to HEAR more?

Want to HEAR more?

Scan the QR code for our Podcast episodes! The views and discussions on this podcast are our own and are not in affiliation with any organizations or professional societies. We also featured the RA on a few special podcast, including Skeleton Crew which can be found at : https://promocards.byspotify.com/api/share/c68aeacc-c422-4b8f-858e-07d3817f1a7e

Marcelene Forbus

Podcast Host

Starting her career as a Radiologic Technologist (RT) in 2002 as a certified RT through the ARRT. Later advancing her RT education into the Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA) through Weber State University in Ogden, UT in 2008. Her passion serves toward advocating for the imaging profession and in the recognition for the Radiologist Assistant (RA) profession.

Reece Burgoon

Podcast Host

Starting his career as a Radiologic Technologist (RT) in 2013 as a certified RT through the ARRT. Later advancing his RT education into the Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) through Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Tx in 2017. He is passionate about advocating for the imaging profession and working towards enhancing the recognition of the Radiologist Assistant (RA) profession.

Let us know if you have a podcast suggestion or would like to be featured in a future podcast! We want to hear from you.


What is a Radiologist Assistant (RA)?

A Radiologist Assistant (RA) is a Radiologic Technologist (RT) who advanced their education and received additional certifications as a Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) and/or Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA).

We serve our departments and patients as a radiologist extender who has been specifically trained in radiation protection, image guided procedures, imaging pathologies, and much more! This gives a unique patient experience while taking advantage of our medical imaging background, better serving the entire radiology department.

What is MARCA (Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act)

MARCA is a national bill that would serve to recognize the "Radiologist Assistant" (RRA/RPA) to perform procedures "incident to" the radiologist in the facility settings that offer image guided procedures.

By CMS rules a Radiologist Assistant (RA) falls under the definition as "auxiliary staff". In 2003 CMS defined that "auxiliary staff" cannot perform "incident to" a physician in the inpatient setting.

MARCA serves as a pathway to recognize the RA as "auxiliary staff" who would be recognized as able to perform procedures "incident to" a radiologist in facility settings. These services are then billed by the supervising radiologist at a rate of 85%.

Who can support MARCA

Any and everyone! It's simple...

Click the link below and send a letter of support through the ASRT website to your state representatives! We encourage everyone you know to join our cause!

https://votervoice.net/ASRT/Campaigns/96772/Respond




Do RA's offer final reports?

Nope!

State legislation and our governing bodies (ASRT, ARRT, and CBRPA) doesn't allow the RA professionals to provide final imaging reports. They can ONLY provide "initial observations" to their supervising radiologist as per ASRT and CBRPA guidelines.

Still have questions?

Feel free to contact us on the website email or directly at collaborationra@gmail.com

The Registered Radiologist Assistant (RRA) is certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Radiology Practitioner Assistant (RPA) is certified through the Certification Board of Radiology Practitioner Assistants (CBRPA).  In many states we are recognized together under the same title as Radiologist Assistant (RA).

How RA's practice in states without RA licensure:

  1. The RA must maintain and remain certified as a Radiologic Technologist (RT) through the ARRT.
  2. RA must have completed an accredited RRA/RPA program and be certified by the ARRT and/or CBRPA.
  3. RA must maintain mandated ACLS and BLS certifications per the ARRT and/or CBRPA.
  4. RA must continue to meet State and/or certification Continuing Education Credits and be in good standing with the the certification boards (ARRT and/or CBRPA) as an RT and an RA.
  5. Facility/Hospital bylaws (as per Federal Law) approve and credential various healthcare professionals (including Physicians and Extenders).  Through those bylaws and committees, medical staff offices are able to approve the RA role, privileges/procedures, and assign each privilege/procedure a level of supervision. (CMS explains levels of supervision in Transmittal 11901).
    1. "General Supervision: means the procedure is furnished under the physician's overall direction and control, but the physicians presence is not required during the performance of the procedure.  Under general supervision, the training of the nonphysical personnel who actually performs the diagnostic procedure and the maintenance of the necessary equipment and supplies are the continuing responsibility of the physician"
    2. Direct Supervision: In the office setting means the physician (or other supervising practitioner) must be present in the office suite and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure.  It does not mean the physician (or other supervising practitioner) must be present in the room when procedure is performed.
    3. Personal Supervision: means the physician must be in attendance in the room during the performance of the procedure.
  6. Physician Right to Delegate Act
  7. Scope of practice is defaulted to the ASRT and/or CBRPA practice standards.


How RA's practice in states with RA licensure:

  1. As described in 1-6 (as seen above).
  2. State law passed licensing and recognizing the certification and education to practice as a RRA/RPA.
    1. If State Law has no scope of practice parameters; scope is defaulted to the practice standards set forth by the ASRT.


Important Facts To Know:

  • Regardless of State Law and/or Scope of Practice; the facility/hospital credentialing supervision MUST be followed at each separate facility.
    • If State Law requires a lesser degree of supervision, RA MUST  still follow facility/hospital level of credentialed  supervision.
  • If a facility/hospital doesn't credential RA for specific procedures, the RA CANNOT perform unapproved procedures (even if Scope of Practice and State Law allow them).
    • To further obtain unapproved procedures RA must meet with Medical Staff and get procedures approved 
  • Billing and Supervision are two separate items.  
    • Please refer to your companies billing team to better understand guidelines to meet federal, private and state billing requirements.
      • If practice is not billing for physician procedure codes; supervision then defaults to State Law and/or facility/hospital assigned supervision level (for each procedure).


Up For Discussion

Forum
Let's connect!

This is a discussion page for anyone interested in wanting to learn more about the Radiology profession, Radiologist Assistant, entering the field, working in the industry, and just wanting to network.

A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast

Marcelene Forbus got to sit down and visit with the host of "A Couple of Rad Techs Podcasts, Chaundria Singleton, to share on the role of a Radiologist Assistant. Listen in as we discuss some of the misconceptions and dive into how to become and RA and what the role really looks like for those in the field.

Learn More  

Skeleton Crew

Marcelene Forbus got to sit down with the host of "Skeleton Crew" to give a different perspective on the Radiologist Assistant (RA) pathway and enlighten listeners on the industry. In this episode we talk about attending these rigorous programs and what a day in the life of an RA might look like for those who are interested in joining this career advancement opportunity.

Learn More