Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy

In 1997 ASRT launched an aggressive campaign to protect patients from overexposure to radiation during radiologic procedures and help reduce the cost of administering health care.

Since the 1999 Congressional session, ASRT has introduced House and Senate bills that pursue basic educational and certification standards for health care workers who administer radiologic procedures in every state in the union. The bill --  known as the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (CARE) bill  -- would ensure that patients undergoing all types of radiologic procedures have the same assurance of quality as those receiving mammograms under the provisions of the Mammography Quality Standards Act.

From the ASRT Website

News Release

ASRT Plans Virtual March on Capitol Hill

November 7, 2009

As the health care reform debate takes shape in both the House and Senate on Capitol Hill, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is asking medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to get involved and have their voice heard. The ASRT encourages all radiologic technologists to contact their congressional representatives and ask them to include the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy, or CARE, bill in discussions on health care reform.

“ASRT is asking its members to join their fellow radiologic technologists during the 30th annual National Radiologic Technology Week®, Nov. 8-Nov. 14, for a virtual march on Capitol Hill,” said ASRT President Diane Mayo, R.T.(R)(CT). “Call your representatives and senators this week and advocate for your profession. Tell your congressmen that quality health care is important to you and that you back their decision to support the CARE bill.”

By supporting the CARE bill, Congress can:

• Reduce health care costs. Accurate diagnosis and fewer repeat exams and delays in treatment will save the Medicare program millions of dollars.
• Maximize patient safety. Establishing certification standards will ensure that all medical imaging and radiation therapy personnel have the proper education and skills to administer radiation safely.
• Increase quality. Competent, educated and certified technologists and therapists will increase overall exam and treatment quality. Patients’ satisfaction is increased.

“By including the CARE bill, Congress can show that it is focusing its efforts on what truly matters in health care reform — Americans receiving health care that includes medical imaging and radiation therapy provided by certified personnel who can safely, competently and effectively perform diagnostic imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments,” Mayo said.

Join the virtual march on Capitol Hill during NRTW. Talking points about the CARE bill are available, along with contact information for legislators.

 

For more information about the CARE bill, visit www.asrt.org/CARE.