American College of Radiology Forms AI Economics Committee
July 16, 2025
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has established an Artificial Intelligence Economics Committee. Its purpose is to streamline resources and create financial strategies for the development and deployment of AI tools in radiologic care. A key focus will be on Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance coverage and reimbursement policies related to these AI technologies.
“The ACR has long been at the forefront of navigating the intricate and rapidly evolving imaging artificial intelligence landscape,” said Gregory N. Nicola, M.D., chair of the ACR Commission on Economics. He highlighted the ongoing efforts by ACR groups and volunteers to plan for different scenarios, respond to federal regulations, and collaborate with government and specialty leaders to bring AI technology to patient care. The new committee will unify expertise across the College to continue this important work.
Committee Leadership and Expertise
The AI Economics Committee will be chaired by Frank J. Rybicki, M.D., Ph.D., who also leads the Department of Radiology at Banner University Medical Group and University of Arizona - Phoenix. The committee will include about 10 experts specializing in areas such as:
- Medicare and Medicaid payment schedules (MPFS and HOPPS)
- AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (RUC)
- CPT code development and implementation
- Informatics and the ACR Data Science Institute
- Computer science and convolutional neural network applications
“Radiologic AI challenges and opportunities are significant,” Rybicki said. Developing an economic strategy for AI—including revenue cycle management and reinvestment in effective technologies—will depend on contributions from ACR volunteer radiologists, staff, allied professionals, patients, and advocates. He expressed enthusiasm for leading this initiative.
Collaboration Across ACR Divisions
Christina Berry, ACR Team Lead on Economic Policy, will serve as lead staff for the committee. The group will work closely with volunteers and staff from various ACR departments, including the Informatics Commission, Government Relations, Quality and Safety, and the Data Science Institute.
“The ACR Data Science Institute brings together imaging AI users and thought leaders through the DSI Summit and ongoing events,” said Christoph Wald, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., vice chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors and chair of the Commission on Informatics. He noted that ACR programs like ARCH-AI and ASSESS-AI support practices in safely implementing and monitoring imaging AI. These initiatives will provide real-world insights to inform the AI economic strategy.
This committee’s work will be critical in shaping how AI tools are financially integrated into radiologic care, impacting reimbursement policies and helping ensure sustainable adoption of AI technologies.
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