Geraldine B. McGinty, MD, MBA, FACR, chair, American College of Radiology Board of Chancellors, contributed this post.
As we continue to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the selfless and impactful work of our radiologists, radiology residents, allied professionals and health care workers during this pandemic.
Two weeks ago, the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) created the COVID-19 Radiology-Specific Resources section on ACR.org. This page is continually updated to offer access to critical, up-to-date clinical information to help you protect yourself, your patients and other providers from COVID-19.
As new laws are offering financial relief to radiology practices impacted by COVID-19, the Economic and Regulatory Updates section has been created specifically for ACR members to help practices gain government funding and stay informed of the latest legislative and regulatory developments. To access this section, simply sign in to your My ACR account.
Learn more about a few of the latest updates below:
ACR Resources
The ACR has provided information and radiology-specific summaries of three major legislative packages which address the COVID-19 pandemic.The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides new funding and relief to various drug and supply issues, the economy, access to care by COVID-19 patients, workforce needs, Medicare/Medicaid issues and other coronavirus-related issues.
The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 will provide $8.3 billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the coronavirus outbreak.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act provides enhanced sick leave, requires payer coverage for no-cost coronavirus testing, expands various food assistance and nutrition programs and provides enhanced unemployment benefits and related state grants.
Radiology-Specific Practice Financial Relief Resources
Radiology practices may be eligible for financial relief through small business loans, delayed employer payroll taxes and other taxpayer protections through the CARES Act and SBA loan programs. The ACR has gathered various materials outlining provisions of the CARES Act.Additional resources include Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fact sheets and guidance and legislative summaries from the government and other reputable sources.
I encourage you to bookmark ACR’s COVID-19 Economic and Regulatory Updates page to keep informed on the latest information.
