Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

June 2021

Notice of Potential Scam Operation

By Member News

ISSRT Member,

We are writing to you because of an incident involving a potential email scam utilizing
unauthorized emails and affecting members. Although we are unaware of anything serious other
than an isolated incident, we are providing notice to you and others who could be potentially
affected in the future. There are tools you can use to protect yourself against possible scams,
identity theft or fraud.

What Happened?
We were informed that one of our board members recently received an email from
“president4783@gmail.com” and purportedly from “Cathie Kukec”. The email requested
immediate funds to be wired to “Citibank” in “Waukegan, IL”. Cathie Kukec is a former
president and is currently the Board of Directors Chairwoman. However, the email was not from
her.

To date, the investigation indicates that the email was a scam meant to convince a
member to wire money. Because you are a current or new member whose email may be
available, we are notifying you about this incident so that you will be in a better position to
protect yourself.

Incidentally, we have also been made aware of random emails requesting members send
gift cards. We are not aware of, nor have we been notified of any data breach, and we believe
the above incidents to be isolated. However, you should be aware that ISSRT will never send
you an email asking you to wire money or send gift cards. What Are We Doing?
The matter has been reported and investigated by the police. The organization has also
conducted its own investigation. We believe our members are best protected by disclosure of
this information.

What You Can Do?
To protect yourself from the possibility of a scam, identity theft or fraud, we recommend
you immediately contact ISSRT if you receive any communication requesting money or gift
cards. Report any activity or inquiry you find suspicious to ISSRT.

For More Information
If there is anything else that we can do to assist you, please contact the Executive
Secretary, Tim Cuff, or email him at issrt.execassist@gmail.com.

Thank you.

ISSRT Board

Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021

By In the Media, Member News

Dear Colleague:

The Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act of 2021 was introduced on June 1 by Representative Mike Doyle of Pennsylvania as H.R. 3657. This bill proposes a law that amends Medicare policy, allowing radiology practices and facilities to receive complete reimbursement for diagnostic imaging procedures performed by RAs, regardless of the setting in which the procedure is performed.

In late 2018, Medicare amended its payment policy to adjust the radiologist supervision levels for radiologist assistants. The ASRT, ARRT, ACR and SRPE are now advocating for the adoption of new statutory language in Medicare to ensure that regardless of the setting in which the radiology service is performed; hospital, critical access hospital, ambulatory surgical center or any other facility setting, that services provided by a radiologist assistant receive complete Medicare reimbursement. By not separating radiologist assistant reimbursement policies into different payment categories by service location, the adoption of MARCA would enable radiologists to devote more focused time to reviewing and interpreting complex medical images or urgent cases, thus increasing patients’ access to care. RAs will be able to work more efficiently, and Medicare patients will receive care from qualified RAs regardless of the facility in which their procedure takes place.

RAs have completed advanced education and clinical competencies and can expertly and safely perform radiologic assessments and certain procedures that traditionally were performed only by radiologists. Without complete Medicare reimbursement for RAs services made to the radiology practices employing RAs, the profession is in peril. As a direct result of Medicare’s current policy, RAs are losing their jobs and are unable to practice to the full extent of their capabilities. Medicare patients are not receiving the full benefit of care provided by a qualified and experienced radiology professional.

All radiologic technologists can help by going to the ASRT’s Advocacy Action Center to learn more about the MARCA bill and send a message to your congressional representative. R.T.s can also monitor activity on the bills and follow up with federal lawmakers regularly.

Sincerely,

Mike Odgren, B.S., R.P.A., R.R.A., R.T.(R)(CT)
President