Moving Radiology Forward: A Look Ahead From ACR 2020

Howard B. Fleishon, MD, MMM, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) Board of Chancellors, contributed this post.

I am honored to serve as your new chair of the Board of Chancellors. As we continue to face unprecedented challenges battling COVID-19, it’s been incredible to experience the unwavering display of strength, compassion and wisdom by members of our radiology community. I want to assure you that, as we battle both shared and unique crises due to this pandemic, the ACR is working harder than ever to support our nearly 40,000 members across the country.

We are continually updating our radiology-specific COVID-19 resources. From clinical materials, well-being tools and leadership resources to the latest economic, regulatory and financial updates, we are committed to equipping our members with critical, up-to-date information needed to continue this fight. Most recently, we provided guidance on the safe resumption of routine radiology care.

Additionally, the ACR’s government relations team has advanced several member-driven legislative priorities. Together, we led the coalition that persuaded the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to urge Medicare Advantage Plans to stop using prior authorization during COVID-19. We worked to gain more financial resources for radiologists through the Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Human and Health Services financial relief programs. We’re also working to educate Congress on why they should waive budget neutrality in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule — a move that would prevent a devastating financial impact on already hard-hit practices.

As we look to the future, be assured that the ACR is devoted to aiding members like you in every step of your professional journey. We are proud to continue to offer access to our industry-leading publications such as the Journal of the American College of Radiology and the ACR Bulletin, free and discounted continuing medical education activities, online professional development and academic resources, and continued strong representation on Capitol Hill with federal agencies and in state legislatures.

As we keep the ACR moving forward through this pandemic and beyond, please reach out on Engage, in the comments section below, or on Twitter — you can find me at @FleishonMD.

I look forward to serving you over the next two years. I remain committed to empowering members to advance the practice, science and professions of radiological care. Remember, you are not alone — we are in this together, both now and beyond COVID-19.

Please share your thoughts in the comments section below, and join the discussion on Engage (login required).