Healthcare – and radiology in particular – is at a tipping point. For more than 20 years, Medicare reimbursement cuts have eroded the financial stability of radiology practices, forcing impossible choices – limiting Medicare access, delaying equipment investments, and in some cases, closing their doors. Now imagine running a business where costs—salaries, rent, equipment—rise every year, yet revenue keeps decreasing. That’s the reality for radiology, with consequences reaching far beyond the budget sheet. When radiologists can’t sustain their practices, patients lose access to essential imaging services, delaying critical diagnoses and treatment. 

But reimbursement cuts are only one piece of the puzzle. Radiology is also facing an unprecedented workforce crisis – nearly half of all radiologists are nearing retirement, and by 2033, there is a projected shortage of 42,000 radiologists. Meanwhile, the demand for imaging is skyrocketing—fueled by an aging population and an increase in the number of imaging studies being ordered by referring physicians. It’s the perfect storm: too few radiologists, too many studies, and a profession under immense financial pressure. Solutions must include Solutions must include fixing the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS), leveraging AI to manage workloads, and updating imaging guidelines to ensure appropriate use.  

Advocacy has never been more important. With just under 3% of the 119th Congress having a healthcare background, lawmakers don’t fully grasp radiology’s role in patient care. Physicians, advocates, and industry leaders must step up – educating lawmakers and advocating for change. And now, with proposed tariffs on medical devices threatening to drive up costs even further, advocacy efforts are more urgent than ever.  

For an in-depth look at radiology’s top advocacy priorities for 2025, tune into the latest episode of Zotec Answers, where Mark Isenberg, Executive Vice President of Healthcare Advocacy at Zotec Partners, interviews Linda Wilgus, Co-Executive Director of the Radiology Business Management Association. 

Take Action Today – Urge your representatives to cosponsor and support H.R. 879 to reverse the Medicare cuts.