In order to educate Congress and other governmental bodies on the detrimental effects of these cuts, the ACR has joined a broad coalition of patient advocacy groups, medical manufacturers, and providers to form the Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC). AMIC represents more than 75,000 physicians, providers, and patients, as well as medical imaging manufacturers who employ tens of thousands of workers.

AMIC members are particularly concerned that the imaging reductions were included in the DRA without any debate. Neither Congress, nor MedPAC, nor any other public forum held a public hearing or meeting on the measure. AMIC members also point out that the cuts comprise roughly one-third of the total Medicare savings in the bill. Yet imaging only comprises approximately one-tenth of Medicare spending. We look forward to working with all members on both sides of the aisle to find workable options that balance fiscal common sense with patient access.


For more information regarding ACR efforts to counter drastic imaging cuts contained in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, please visit the DRA section of the ACR Web site at
http://www.acr.org/s_acr/doc.asp?CID=2537&DID=23825

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