President's Message 9/13/1999

Dear Members of the Indiana Radiological Society,
Welcome to our new Web site.

The Indiana Radiological Society is the state chapter of the American College of Radiology.  Its purpose includes the advancement of  the science of radiology, improvement radiological services to our patients, maintenance of  high medical and ethical standards in the practice of radiology and to promote fellowship among its members.

Organization of the Indiana Radiological Society:
The Indiana Radiological Society is composed of more than 500 radiologists and radiation oncologists in the state. Meetings of the society occur twice a year (in the spring and fall). At these meetings discussions are held on the current events impacting radiology and decisions are reached on how the society should react. The Executive Committee consists of the President, President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President and American College of Radiology Indiana Councilors and Alternate Councilors. The Nominating Committee recommends members for offices. The Nominating Committee considers the candidates and presents their recommendations to the general members at the spring meeting. In addition to the Nominating Committee, thirteen other Committees aid the function of the society. These committees include: Standards in Radiological Practice, Fellowship, Insurance Intermediary Liaison, Resident's Socioeconomic Seminar, Legislative, Judicial Affairs, Mammography, Membership, Constitution and Bylaws, Technologist Certification, Technologist Advisory, Cardiovascular and Interventional. 

I would like to thank Drs. Broderick and Dickerson for their outstanding efforts as past presidents and will  continue along their path.  During the upcoming year I hope to strengthen the interaction with the Indiana Radiology Business Managers Association and with the Indiana Radiological Medical Technologist Society. I believe that by working together we can achieve a higher level of success. All of us must become involved to ensure quality care in the practice of medicine in which  imaging and radiation therapy is used. I look forward to a productive year and encourage your participation in these times of tremendous changes.

Recent events:

• Indiana Radiological Society begins Web presence
• Indiana Medical Malpractice Legislation is now in effect
• Government increases investigations of medical fraud and abuse
• New Medicare Carrier Medical Director is named, Dr. Arnold Krubsack
• September 1998 ACR meeting highlights:
  The Council of the American College of Radiology in an effort to enhance quality of care has enacted a number of new standards in diagnostic radiology and radiation oncology including in the areas of nuclear medicine/ nuclear radiology, ultrasonography, mammography and telemedicine. For specific information please visit the ACR site.

Indiana Radiological Society Agenda Items (1999-2000):

• Enhance Society communication and participation through use of e-mail, the Internet and biannual meetings

• Distribute information of interest to radiologists and radiation oncologists through periodic letters from society officers, distribution Indiana Radiology Business Managers Association quarterly newsletters to society members, and published bi-weekly Indiana Radiological Society Legislative updates.

• Strengthen Radiology and Radiation Oncology representation to the Carrier Advisory Committee through greater participation of society members and improved support t of these members with hiring of an individual or individuals (Indiana Radiological Society Economics and Health Policy Advisor(s)) with background in communication skills, coding and business.  Our enhanced representation will also be accomplished through improved communication with our national organization—the ACR.

• Evaluation of the technologist needs in state practices. This will be accomplished with work done in conjunction with the Indiana Society of  Radiological Technologists to develop and distribute surveys.

• Increase membership—This will be accomplished by changing our membership dues structure.  Society members at the Spring 1999 meeting voted to waive first year dues following training (residency or fellowship).

• Maintain active communication of the concerns of the membership to government officials and others.

• Further enhancements to our web site allowing more convenient communication.

Closing Comments:
The practice environment of Radiology is evolving.  We live in an era of wonderful improvements in ability to diagnose and treat disease through use of imaging technologies and radiation therapy.  Meanwhile, changes in reimbursement for procedures and interpretations continue on a daily basis. Both the State and Federal government are actively considering legislation, which may have an impact on Radiology. Therefore, it has become even more important that our specialty maintains an active, positive, and proactive stance. The formation of the Indiana Radiology Political Action Committee (Indiana RADPAC) is a critical factor in this regard, allowing us to participate actively in the political arena. At the national level, the formation of the Radiology Advocacy Alliance and the national (RADPAC) has allowed Radiologists to become more aware of impending legislation, and to have the ability to react in a positive manner.

The Executive Committee of the society encourages and welcomes your input with respect to the meetings, web pages, and educational and political activities and encourages your feedback. A strong organization requires active member participation. Get involved!

Ways to become involved:
The Society is currently reviewing its committees. Radiologists and Radiation Oncologists from across the state are encouraged to be involved. If you are able to serve please e-mail Dotty Martens at dmartens@ismanet.org.

To find out who your representatives are in the US Congress click here and enter your zip code at this site.

I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting.

Sincerely yours,

Stephan M. Stockberger Jr. MD
President