AMIC LAUNCHES RIGHTSCANRIGHTTIME.ORG.

The Access to Medical Imaging Coalition (AMIC) has unveiled RightScanRightTime.org, a new Web platform designed to demonstrate the imaging community's support for public policy that ensures patients have access to diagnostic imaging services, which improve health outcomes while reducing Medicare expenditures.

AMIC, a coalition representing more than 100,000 physicians, medical providers and patient organizations, says the Web site also has a strong educational component with information explaining the different types of medical imaging technologies, how they work and the images they produce. The site also contains an easily-searchable database of peer-reviewed research demonstrating the patient and economic value derived from medical imaging. At RightScanRightTime.org, visitors will also learn about policy solutions to drive proper utilization of imaging equipment while preserving access to diagnostic imaging services.

"This Web site will help patients and advocates learn more about imaging," said Tim Trysla, executive director of AMIC. "From easy-to-understand definitions of modalities to policies that are designed to ensure patients have access to the right scan at the right time, this Web site will quickly become a 'must-read' for those interested in imaging."

As it unveils this new Web portal, AMIC encourages patients, family members, providers and community leaders to use RightScanRightTime.org to share their imaging stories with policymakers. Through the "Share Your Story" and "Get Involved" functionalities, AMIC says a key intent of this Web site is to create an ongoing dialogue with the policymaker community about the personal value of imaging.

"The data is compelling," Trysla said. "While a growing body of research demonstrates the beneficial impact that imaging is having on the diagnosis, management and treatment of numerous chronic and life-threatening diseases, sometimes the human stories behind the data are missed. By sharing your personal imaging story on this Web site, we can ensure that policymakers understand how imaging - and the public policy guiding reimbursement - has a powerful impact on peoples' lives. Whether it's a breast MRI that detects an elusive cancer, a PET scan that shows a cancer going into remission, or a heart scan that detects a blockage and allows a doctor to prevent a deadly heart attack, AMIC encourages patients, family member and providers to use this Web site to make their stories known."

About AMIC

AMIC represents more than 100,000 physicians, medical providers, and patient organizations throughout the U.S. It also includes health technology firms that manufacture imaging equipment and supplies and that employ tens of thousands of workers. Thus, AMIC represents those who develop medical imaging technologies, those who apply it, and those who benefit from it. The coalition was organized in early 2006, soon after Congress passed the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, which significantly reduced the level of funding for medical imaging services.. The coalition conducts public affairs, advocacy, and educational activities on behalf of legislation to address these payment reductions. It also promotes the adoption of policies that focus on medical imaging quality and appropriateness, so that patients are receiving the right imaging test by the right provider at the right time.

For more information, call 202/585-2084 or visit http://www.rightscanrighttime.org.

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