In a new post on the American College of Radiology (ACR) Voice of Radiology Blog, Arl Van Moore Jr., MD, examined the ACR’s role as it continues to build a strong relationship with the American Medical Association (AMA) to improve patient care. Radiologists now serve on the AMA Board of Trustees and four of six AMA councils.

“As healthcare in the United States moves increasingly toward value based, patient- and family-centered care, radiologists have unique opportunities to improve the patient experience, reduce and eliminate unnecessary procedures and maximize value,” Moore, chair of the ACR Delegation to the AMA House of Delegates, said in the post.

By leveraging ACR Appropriateness Criteria and crafting case studies, for example, Moore said the ACR is working around the clock to make an impact on healthcare throughout the country. The college is also looking to make a difference by reaching out to students.

“Both the AMA and the ACR are also increasing efforts to engage with medical students and better prepare the next generation of doctors for the opportunities and challenges they will face,” Moore said. “Nearly every hospital patient will undergo some type of radiological exam, yet undergraduate medical education curricula often don’t include comprehensive instruction on appropriate imaging. This results in some patients experiencing unnecessary imaging, radiation and costs.”

Radiologists have an opportunity to “break down silos and enhance collaboration that leads to better outcomes,” Moore concluded. And working with the AMA is one way the ACR can help the industry accomplish those very goals.