Two medical societies are in conflict over proposed legislation mandating that physicians consult appropriate-use criteria (AUC) before ordering advanced imaging exams. The American College of Radiology (ACR) supports the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act, which aims to revive AUC guidelines that were previously put on hold by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). ACR CEO Dana H. Smetherman testified before Congress, emphasizing that the act could save the federal government $2 billion over ten years and provide additional savings for Medicare beneficiaries. In contrast, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC) expresses concerns about the legislation. It argues that not all CMS-approved clinical decision support tools will adequately reflect the AUC developed by cardiovascular medical societies. ASNC believes mandatory AUC consultation could hinder physicians' ability to select the best diagnostic tests and is urging its members to oppose the bill, suggesting that it may complicate rather than streamline the healthcare process.
Tue, 26 May 2026 06:18:31 GMT | Radiology Business