Radiology business leaders’ top lobbying priorities in 2026

The Radiology Business Management Association is sharing its top lobbying priorities, both in Washington and at local statehouses, for 2026. 

Top of mind for RBMA this year is the need for fair reimbursement to ensure the sustainability of imaging groups while maintaining patient access to their services. Medicare has continually cut radiologist pay in recent years, the association noted, with reimbursement failing to keep up with rising expenses.  

“Radiology faces unique challenges, including declining Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rates and inappropriate application of efficiency factors,” the Fairfax, Virginia-based association, which represents about 2,000 business professionals in the imaging industry, said in its 2026 advocacy agenda, released Jan. 13. “RBMA is committed to a multifaceted advocacy approach to champion equitable payment policies.”

The association said it will fight for radiologist reimbursement this year through targeted meetings with congressional representatives, educating them on the “vital role of radiology and the financial pressures impacting practices.” It plans to make the specialty’s case through data-driven advocacy, using facts and figures to show how Medicare cuts harm physicians and curb patient access. 

“By actively engaging policymakers with clear evidence and real-world impacts, RBMA aims to secure policies that stabilize reimbursement, allowing radiology practices to continue investing in technology and delivering high-quality patient care,” the association added. 

Here is the full list of RBMA’s advocacy priorities for 2026: 

1. Advocating for fair reimbursement: Engaging with members of Congress, using data to state the specialty’s case, and pushing back against problematic updates in the 2026 fee schedule
2. Challenging efficiency factors: Demonstrating why blanket efficiency factor cuts in Medicare are inappropriate for radiology and advocating for metrics that accurately reflect the unique complexities of our specialty.
3. Supporting MARCA: Advocating for passage of the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act, which would ensure full Medicare reimbursement for services performed by qualified radiologist assistants under direct physician supervision.
4. Moving legislation at the state level: Expanding state advocacy efforts by monitoring high-impact legislation, mobilizing RBMA chapter leaders, and tracking Medicaid reimbursement and policy changes that affect radiology practices nationwide.
5. Breast cancer testing access: Supporting no-cost follow-up diagnostic breast cancer testing and eliminating patient out-of-pocket costs after abnormal screening results.  
6. Empowering patient voices: Expanding the Radiology Patient Advocacy Network (RPAN)—a collection of imaging groups advocating for better funding—to integrate patient stories, survey data, and real-world impact into legislative and regulatory discussions. 
7. Bridging the rural divide: Promoting policies that expand virtual supervision, streamline licensing and credentialing, and address workforce and infrastructure barriers to ensure equitable access to diagnostic imaging in rural and underserved communities.

You can read more about the Radiology Business Management Association’s 2026 lobbying agenda— along with its 2025 advocacy and legislative accomplishments—here.