News

SIR joins the American College of Radiology in support of the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act (S. 1692/ H.R. 5737) a bill to require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a program that would require physicians ordering advanced diagnostic imaging services (ADIS) to consult appropriate use criteria (AUC).

The AUC program is an effective, evidence-based program founded on physician-developed guidelines that optimize patient care by guiding providers on appropriate ordering of ADIS, leading to fewer unnecessary studies and savings to both the patient and the health care delivery system. The AUC consultation process would not be required for ordering providers who participate in clinical trials or small and rural practices (as defined by CMS). Imaging services for screening are also exempt.

The ROOT Act reduces low-value ADIS, improves radiologists’ workflow, and, according to CMS, saves Medicare up to $700,000,000 annually. The savings from implementing the AUC program could be used to offset the cost of long-term Medicare physician payment reform.