The American Academy of Physician Associates officially recognizes APPs in radiology
The American Academy of Physician Associates has officially recognized Physician Associates in Radiology (PAIR) as a specialty organization.
AAPA voted in PAIR’s favor in late May, granting the group Specialty Organization status. PAIR members represent a wide array of professionals in the radiology space, from physician assistants (PAs) and registered radiology assistants (RRAs) to technologists, radiology nurses, physicists, administrators and more. Achieving Specialty Organization status essentially gives PAIR members a seat at AAPA’s table. This means that more radiology support staff will have their voices heard regarding efforts to enhance patient care, support continuing education requirements and improve policies related to reimbursement and professional standards. The organization intends to provide specialty-specific education, professional development and advocacy for physician associates working across radiology subspecialties.
Founded by Chris Davis and Carrie Hayes, the PAIR society seeks to recognize the growing role of advanced practice providers (APPs) in imaging departments, particularly in interventional radiology, inpatient consultations and procedure-related patient care. Demand for these services has seen significant growth in recent years, but staffing shortages and red tape regarding the variable scope of practice for APPs in radiology have created bottlenecks for patients. The founders of PAIR are hopeful that the organization’s new status will help address these issues.
"PAIR society exists to give physician associates in radiology a true professional home while advancing excellent patient care across both diagnostic and interventional radiology. Our society supports education, advocacy, and professional development for PAs, but just as importantly, we want to be a collaborative part of the larger radiology world—working alongside radiologists, technologists, nurses, administrators, educators, and other clinical partners who all contribute to safe, timely, high-quality imaging care," Hayes said in a statement to Radiology Business. “PAIR society means visibility, standards, and community for PAs in radiology, and we believe that stronger PA representation ultimately strengthens the entire care team."
While PAIR was granted Specialty Organization status in May, this status will not be official until July 1.
To learn more about PAIR, visit their website here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.