Delayed growth in the development of the radiologist assistant's role.

The physician extender model has been established for many years (e.g., NP, PA) and radiology departments would benefit by fully adopting this model, as well, through the hiring of radiologist assistants (RAs). Potential benefits of this role are facility cost reductions and increased customer satisfaction. An RA is an advanced level radiologic technologist who works under the supervision of a radiologist to promote high standards of patient care by assisting radiologists in the diagnostic imaging environment. Agreements by stakeholders such as the ASRT, ARRT, and the ACR have to convene and regulatory hurdles involving the CMS have to be resolved in order for this physician extender position to thrive.