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One of my favorite presentations at AHRA each year is the Federal Affairs Update session. This may not be the most exciting topic to some, but I really enjoy how Melody Mulaik and Nathan Baugh deliver these updates in a way that is easy to understand and helps inform us on what matters most to our industry and organizations. 

To open the session, attendees were polled on their thoughts about politics and healthcare, and a large majority indicated they are invested in understanding healthcare politics so they can better advocate and make an impact. That came as no surprise to me, knowing how driven and dedicated AHRA members are. 

Nathan started with a big picture update on the current health policy environment. One piece of advice he gave, in response to an audience question about H.R. 1 (aka “One Big Beautiful Bill”), was that organizations should prioritize helping patients navigate Medicaid enrollment requirements. This will help reduce the number of uninsured patients as a result of recent changes to Medicaid programs.

ROOT Act and Administrative Relief

Next was an update on the Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act, introduced in May 2025 to relieve the burden of appropriate use criteria (AUC) currently placed on radiology and shift it back to ordering providers. The act would remove the requirement that imaging claims include AUC consult information and would only require the ordering professional's national provider identifier (NPI).

This really caught my attention, since I have personally seen radiology departments across the country struggle with ordering providers sending medically unnecessary exams. Radiology is currently tasked with confirming medical necessity, obtaining authorization, submitting relevant clinicals, and handling other administrative work required to get a claim paid, all of which generate a cost radiology absorbs. Passing legislation like the ROOT Act would be a major win in reducing some of that administrative burden. 

Discussions on Site Neutrality

The room's attention really sharpened when Nathan said, “Medicare reimbursement for imaging without contrast is set to be cut by 60% in 2027”, kicking off a discussion on the site neutrality changes coming next January.

There is a list of excepted scenarios, but the easiest way to identify whether your organization or service is excepted is the PO versus PN modifier on claims. PO indicates you were grandfathered in, while PN indicates no exception applies. Melody shared that AHRA opposes these cuts and is working with the American College of Radiology (ACR) to respond to comments on the rule. She encouraged attendees to bring data back to their organizations to help AHRA support the case against these cuts. 

Accessibility and Remote Scanning Updates

The session also covered new medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) disability requirements that took effect July 8 for healthcare facilities with 15 or more employees, including accessible self-service kiosks and accommodations that permit service animals, including miniature horses.

Remote scanning rounded out the session. When Melody asked whether attendees’ organizations were doing any remote scanning, most of the room said that they didn’t, but there were still a few who said that they do. She noted that up to seven states may outlaw remote scanning for CTs, emphasizing how important it is to stay current on state specific laws. 

Healthcare politics can be a stressful topic, but it is reassuring to see everything AHRA is doing to advocate for and support its members.

Special Thanks to Our Presenters

Melody W. Mulaik, MSHS, CRA, RCC, RCC-IR, FAHRA, FRBMA (she/her/hers)
COO, R3: RCCS and Regents Health Resources

Nathan Baugh, BA
Principal, Capitol Associates; AHRA Regulatory Affairs Committee

Stay up to date with more regulatory and compliance updates from Melody Mulaik, Nathan Baugh, and other experts in the space here on LINK.