ACR to Senate Finance: Failing to address radiologist shortage could drive up US healthcare costs
Radiology Business July 10, 2024
Failing to address radiologist shortages could drive up healthcare costs for patients and the Medicare program, the American College of Radiology recently warned Congress.
ACR shared its concerns in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, which is exploring ways to address a shortfall of physicians that could reach 140,000 by 2036. Bipartisan lawmakers released a “policy outline” in late May with several possible remedies.
The Senate roadmap is centered around primary care and psychiatry, though it includes plans to potentially “expand and improve” other unspecified “specialties in shortage.” ACR underlined the importance of imaging in these conversations. Despite growing demand, the number of radiology residency positions has remained stagnant, with 1,084 in 2010 and 1,006 in 2023.
“If the...