N E W YO R K S TAT E S O C I E T Y O F
R A D I O L O G I C S C I E N C E S, I N C .
November, 2011
Volume 16, Issue 1
The Imagist
NYSSRS President Ken
Martinucci, M.S.,RT(R)
President’s Message
By Ken Martinucci
As I take inventory on my
first year as President of the
NYSSRS, what comes to
mind are four topics: 1) What
has been accomplished 2)
What I have learned 3) the
ongoing and endless “to do”
list, and 4) membership.
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
1
Bob Rivera Tribute
2/3
Phil Pinsky Tribute
3
President’s message (cont)
4
Economics article by
5
Article by Webmaster
6
ASRT article by D. Finaldi
6/7
Membership is the period
that ends all sentences
when talking about this organization, as the three
other topics all tend to lead
up to it. I will get back to this
before I end this report. I
would like to report to you
what I was able to accomplish in this past year.
Just shortly after the conclusion of the 2010 NYSSRS
conference, I attended and
represented the NYSSRS in
a one day professional conference sponsored by the
1199 union. The conference
was attended by approximately 114 radiologic technologists, and among the
faculty (myself included) was
the President & CEO of the
ASRT, Dr. Sal Martino. Dr.
Martino was very gracious,
and spoke as a big supporter of state societies. As
the MC of the event, I contributed the “opening remarks”, as well as introduced the speakers. All in
all, we did recruit a few new
members to NYSSRS, but
not as many as I would have
liked to.
(along with Linda Condon). Again, a productive
meeting took place.
On January 29 and 30th, the
NYSSRS Board assembled
at Charles Drago’s home in
Seaford, NY. We had a very
productive winter meeting in
a friendly, family-like atmosphere, which actually played
a big part in my perspective
of working with and spending time with the NYSSRS
board. Although I will talk
more about this at the conference, it was a very good
experience, and I feel it
helped us to grow as a
team .
In addition to these face to
face meetings, the board
also participated in 4 conference calls during the
year. The idea of conference calls is to maintain
functional communication on
issues and current events
which cannot always be conducted effectively with just
emails and isolated (regular
one on one phone conversations).
At this meeting, we set the
calendar for the rest of the
year, including the planning
of the annual conference in
upcoming November.
The next time we all assembled was in April, following
the conference sponsored
by the AERT. It is customary for the NYSSRS to hold
their Spring meeting the Saturday following the AERT
conference. At this meeting,
we spent a lot of time planning the conference in at the
time, upcoming November. The board was joined
by Barbara Neumann, a
NYSSRS past President,
and the conference chair
Next up was the annual educator’s conference sponsored by the AERT. Along
with representing the
NYSSRS, this is a conference I usually attend. This
time, I suppose one would
say I wore two hats.
In June, the ASRT held their
conference, and six
NYSSRS present board
members and/or past presidents were in attendance. Bill Brennan, Dave
Finaldi, Steve Herrmann,
Paulette Peterson, Joe
Whitton, and myself were
there, most of us with specific purpose.
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 4)
The Imagist
Volume 16, Issue 1
Page 2
Bob Rivera: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb
--- Joseph Whitton, MS, RT(R)(CT)(MR), L.R.T.
My first experience with Bob Rivera was way back in 1991, when I was a brand-new “acting” program director at the Northport VAMC School of Radiologic Technology. At the time, the program
had been without a full-time program director for 9 months and was in a bit of disarray, as sometimes happens in our line of work. I was informed by the folks that were “holding down the fort”
that everything was fine and that they would help and guide me as we put everything back in order.
What they failed to tell me was that the program had been placed on probation by JRCERT and
that they would be coming for a site-visit in a few months. Once my hysteria subsided, I got to
work patching together a self-study and prepared for the site visit. The next surprise was a call
from the New York State Department of Health informing me that Mr. Robert Rivera would be
dropping by for a visit to my program. Now I really started to sweat. As many of you can attest,
Bob does not arrive with a lot of fanfare, rather he just appears at you office door with “I am Mr.
Rivera from the Department of Health… let’s talk”. I am quite sure that my face went pale and I
am definitely sure that my knees were shaking so much that I could hardly speak. Somehow, I
managed to get through the next 2 hours as we “talked” about my program. I will never forget his
words to me as he was getting ready to depart… “between you and JRC, is me… between you and
the hospital director, is me… between you and God, is me!” At that, I practically collapsed onto
the floor!
But, Bob was right… throughout the next twenty years, he was always there for me! Bob was a
great advocate for the profession and for educators. Like many of us, Bob had the dual role of
working as a clinical radiographer in addition to his full-time position. His passion for the profession was quickly evident to me. Likewise, his pride in representing the Department of Health to the
profession and the rest of the medical community was equally evident. Once I earned his trust as
an educator and as an advocate for the profession, he became my strongest ally. As a program director, there was nothing more assuring than having Bob and the Department of Health in your
corner whether you were going up against the JRC, hospital administration, or an unhappy student.
Bob has always been a great resource and a great friend to the radiologic technologists of the state
of New York. He was wise enough to seek out our opinions on matters related to the practice of our
profession and, hopefully, we were wise enough to seek out his advice regarding matters within his
sphere of influence. Usually, these issues had to do with ethical conduct and matters of “moral turpitude” as it was called. Any one of us could call Bob’s office regarding such an issue and he would
give us reliable advice and keep it confidential. Whenever we would gather at the offices of the Department of Health, we were greeted as friends and colleagues. To really see Bob shine, was to
place him in a classroom full of radiography students so that he could let them know how important the profession that they were preparing for was, and how important we educators were to their
success. A student was always welcomed to contact his office if they were unhappy about their educational program, however, Bob would always ask them if the issue had been discussed with their
program director yet, because that was exactly what he was going to do next!
(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)
The Imagist
Volume 16, Issue 1
Page 3
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2) BOB RIVERA:
The saying goes… March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. I think that this analogy works well
to describe the experiences I have had with Mr. Rivera from the Department of Health. That is to say
that during my first encounter with Bob, I felt frightened and intimidated, but in short time grew to
respect him as a colleague and appreciate him as a friend. Bob, as a dear friend to the NYSSRS and
the AERT, you are missed and will never be forgotten.
OBITUARY
.
NYSSRS remembers Philip Pinsky, Esq. 1939-2011
As you begin to read this, I should tell that you are not expected to know or even recognize the name Philip Pinsky.
In a nutshell, Mr. Pinsky, a lawyer, was an advocate of the Radiological Sciences, and
the people and professionals who support those theories.
Mr. Pinsky died of myocardial infarction on July 23, 2011. At the time, he was in a two
year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 72 years old.
In Mr. Pinsky’s obituary, it describes a highly accomplished, successful professional
and family man, who had values, and a “good heart”.
Mentioned in the center of many accomplishments, it says that “he was very proud to
have been legal counsel for the New York State Radiological Society”.
We remember Mr. Pinsky as a good person, professional, and advocate to the issues be
believed in.
Photos below taken at the annual Winter meeting at the Drago Residence in Long Island.
Volume 16, Issue 1
The Imagist
Page 4
President’s Message (continued from front page)
At this conference, there are
two representatives from
each state (delegates), and
ASRT policy & procedure, as
well as items that are discussed, debated, and voted
on. For those individuals
involved in their state professional societies, it is a tremendous learning experience, not to mention an opportunity to bring back information to your colleagues
and co-workers. Both myself and Dave Finaldi (NY
State Society President and
President-Elect, respectfully)
served as the NYS Delegates.
For most of the remaining
spring and summer, I spent
overseeing the implementation of the annual conference, which is where we are
now.
One implementation I am
very excited about is an “old”
idea that was never tried out,
suggested by webmaster Bill
Brennan: we call it the Complimentary membership project. All newly graduated
RT’s in NYS were sent a
complimentary membership
form, a free membership to
the NYSSRS for the year
November 2011-2012, hoping that some (or maybe
most) would rejoin as regular
paying member. Obviously,
it will take until our next conference (2012) to see if there
are positive results from this
initiative.
Although I plan to elaborate
on points made in this report
at the conference, I would
like now to write about what
is on the agenda for the year
2012.
1.
Be more active with our
affiliates. I hope to attend at
least one meeting of each of
our affiliates. I already am
planning to attend the next
meeting of the Rochester
State Society, which is being
held later this month. If I am
unable to attend, I will be at
the February 15 meeting. I
also plan on meeting with
the AERT, NSSRT, and
Capital District society presidents about their planned
meeting schedule(s).
later, recognized in person,
by me, at the conference.
Grow membership. I have
some statistical information
that should bring to light
some of the opportunities
and challenges that face us
as we try to grow our membership that will be discussed at our conference.
With that, I sign off, but only
temporarily. I will certainly
be in touch, and should anybody have any ideas, or
thought that could benefit
the NYSSRS, please do not
hesitate to contact me at
[email protected]..
...thank you
..Ask not what your
State Society can do
for you, ask what you
can do for your State
2.
I also plan to make
some strategically placed
visits to areas I think have a
potential to gain members
for our society. this is what I
feel is the most important
aspect of my role as President of NYSSRS.
Leadership is practiced
not so much in words
as in attitude and in
actions
3.
Continue to involve new
volunteers in the operations
of the NYSSRS. I knew
when I took over as President that we needed to get
away from the “20% of the
board doing 90% of the
work” culture. I am happy to
tell you that this year, five
new individuals (that are not
present board members)
played a significant role in
the planning an implementation of our annual conference). They will be named
—Harold Geneen
Every member,
none more or less
important than
any other...
The Imagist
Volume 16, Issue 1
Page 5
The Economics of Advanced Certification
By Eric Lobel
My personal belief is that Radiographers will perform better in their jobs if they seek and obtain ARRT advanced certifications such as MRI or CT. However the unfortunate truth is that we must seek advanced certification because of economic factors, recent laws, and insurance reimbursement. Back in 2008 at the start of our still failing economy, congress
passed the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA).
MIPPA states that by January 1, 2012 all providers of advanced imaging such as CT, MRI, breast MRI, nuclear medicine,
and PET must be accredited. Failure to be accredited will result in nonpayment under Part B of the Medicare Physician
Fee Schedule. This alone could cause many technologists harm if case loads dramatically decrease or the businesses shut
down.
Imaging facilities must go through an accreditation process by one of only three authorized agencies approved by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) or again no reimbursement. CMS has approved The American College of
Radiology (ACR), the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), and the Joint Commission. All three have basic requirements such as QA/QC programs, Safety Standards for staff and patients, Equipment performance, and Image quality. Most importantly to technologists and physicians alike are the personnel qualifications that must be in place for each
category of employee.
Many Imaging facilities and I should note that MIPPA/CMS mandates apply only to private outpatient facilities utilize the
ACR as their accreditation agency of choice. The accreditation process differs from one modality to the other however the
section on personnel qualifications is roughly the same. It states that all interpreting physicians, medical physicists and
technologists must meet and document specific requirements for their facility to be accredited by the ACR. At this time for
CT technologists in New York technologists must be ARRT certified and currently registered with a state license and the
“passing of the advanced examination for CT certification is recommended.” MRI technologists due to not performing
examinations utilizing ionizing radiation face much easier requirements. MRI technologists need registration by either the
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the American Registry of MRI Technologists (ARMRIT), or the
Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Or, just an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an allied health
field will suffice. Although it would appear for MRI that those seeking this position require little technical training I know
from conversations with Radiology Administrators that Technologists seeking a position in either CT or MRI that they will
not be hired without advanced certification.
Insurance companies are also behind the recent push for technologist advanced certification. Care Core National is the
umbrella insurance company under which many other insurance companies operate such as Blue Cross Blue Shield Horizon. Many hospital and imaging facilities are reimbursed by Care Core however they may not receive reimbursement for
imaging examinations not performed by a technologist or department which does not have some if not all personal with
advanced ARRT certification. CT/MRI technologists I have heard from are being given a deadline with which to obtain
advanced credentials.
Lastly, in an effort to trim the U.S. Budget deficit, President Obama via the Affordable Care Act plans to reduce $320 Billion in healthcare costs; $1.3 Billion of this would come to cuts in advanced medical imaging. These cuts would come from
Medicare payments for the utilization of advanced imaging. The tie in to MIPPA compliance is obvious and technologists
should see the writing on the wall. If technologists don’t have advanced certification they likely won’t be doing advanced
imaging studies and many in those modalities need to hit the books.
The Imagist
Page 6
To give anything less
than your best is to sacrifice the gift
– Steve Prefontaine
Volume 16, Issue 1
The Password Conundrum
by William J. Brennan Jr., MA, RT, (R)(CT), CIIP
I chose the title of this article
very purposefully because that
is exactly what a good password is supposed to be. Webster’s defines a conundrum as
“a question or problem having
only a conjectural answer.”
Isn’t that what we are striving
for when we create a password?
We want to come up with
something that others can’t
guess. I also used this title because as a PACS administrator,
user passwords pose an entirely
different set of questions, the
answer to which I have yet to
discern.
As healthcare workers we are
all painfully aware of the role
HIPAA regulations play in our
professional lives and a huge
portion of those regulations
deal with the security of Protected Health Information
(PHI). Healthcare entities
“must take reasonable steps to
ensure the confidentiality of
communications with individuals”. What this means is that
every software program in the
radiology department that has
patient data has to be password
protected. It also means that the
passwords must be unique to
the individuals accessing the
information. It further means
that those passwords must fol-
low certain rules and have to
change on a regular basis.
I admit that sometimes these
rules get absurd. How is this
one: “your password must be at
least 8 characters in length,
include uppercase and lowercase letters, contain at least one
number, cannot be any combination of your username, cannot be a word commonly found
in the dictionary, cannot be any
one of your last 5 passwords
and must be created during an
elephant stampede in Antarctica in July.” Ok, I added that
last part but the rest are actually
rules for password creation at
my institution. The best part is
that all users have to go through
changing their passwords every
6 months. Is it any wonder that
not a day goes by that I don’t
have to help someone with a
password issue.
Of course, the other side of the
coin is just as bad. Any PACS
administrator will tell you the
lengths that users will go to so
they don’t have to remember
their passwords. It is not unusual to find usernames and
passwords written on the bottoms of keyboards, mice,
phones, the underside of desks,
and the back of papers on
nearby bulletin boards, mouse
pads, printers and door jambs.
Some don’t even bother with
the pretense of hiding anything
and place a P-touch label directly on the edge of a monitor
in plain sight. How about the
physician that gives his password to his whole staff so that
he does not have to keep logging on to a system when it
times out? All of these practices leave the institution and
the offender wide open for legal action against them and
place them in non-compliance
should JACHO or some other
regulatory agencies come
through the door.
Technologists are quite adept at
remembering technique factors,
centering points, beam angles,
tube distances, anatomical rotations and landmarks. I am
pretty confident that we are
capable of remembering passwords. I know it is just one
more thing added to our already
crowded plate but we should be
willing to comply in order to
protect the privacy of our patients.
In the meantime….well, at least
I have job security!
-Mr. Brennan is presently the
webmaster for the NYSSRS.
He is featured in the photo
on the left: (L to R): K. Martinucci, J. Whitton,
New York State well represented at this year’s
ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting.
By David L. Finaldi, B.S., R.T. (R)
This past June the ASRT held
its Annual House of Delegates
Meeting in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Each state society is
represented by two voting delegates. This year, NYSSRS
President Ken Martinucci, and I
had the great privilege of serving as your two delegates.
As state delegates, both Ken
and I represented New York
State where we voted in the
ASRT House of Delegates
(HOD). The HOD meets annually to debate and vote on
motions and proposed changes
to the ASRT Bylaws and to
adopt clinical practice and educational standards. During the
meeting, delegates' primary
duties are to represent the radiologic science profession and
their affiliates or chapters and
take action on issues that affect
professional practice.
As part of the annual governance meeting, Ken and I had
(Continued on page 7)
The Imagist
Volume 16, Issue 1
Page 7
How to Contact this Publication
The Imagists is a biannual publication of the New York State Society of Radiologic Technologists
For more information contact Michael Burns
Phone: 516-705-2274
Email: [email protected]
ASRT article (Finaldi) (cont)
the opportunity to network with
peers and meet other delegates
from all over our country during the Pin Exchange. We also
attended The Honors Evening
Event where every year the
ASRT recognizes new life
members, fellows and volunteers for their service to the
ASRT and the profession.
There were other social events
scheduled so that conference
participants could learn more
about current efforts and interact with staff of the ASRT.
sciences. The presentations
were well worth attending.
This year is the ASRT also
held 2011 Educational Symposium, on Thursday, June 16 –
one day before the annual governance meeting. Participants
of this one-day educational
event were given a choice of
attending one of three subject
tracks of presentations including Management, Education,
and Technology on a wide variety of topics in the radiologic
All three represented our state
and society very well; as the
House of Delegates proceedings were very well organized
and conducted with great efficiency. I personally heard
many positive comments from
delegates and attendees from
all over the nation!
It should be noted that three of
our very own served in prominent roles at this year’s annual
governance meeting, they are:
William Brennan, who served
as the Chair of the By-Laws
Committee, Steve Herrmann
served as Chair of the Commission for the House of Delegates, and Joseph Whitton,
served as Co-Chair of the Practice Standards Council.
and House of Delegates Meeting, and I came away with a
very positive impression. I
believe that our state society has
a very strong affiliate relationship with our national society,
one that will benefit us going
forward.
This was my first experience as
a delegate, attending and participating in the Governance
NYSSRS Board of Directors
Kenneth Martinucci . . . . . . .
President
[email protected]
David Finaldi. . . . . . .
President Elect
[email protected],
Ann Verschuuren . . . . . . . . .
Vice President
[email protected]
Joe Whitton…………………
Treasurer
[email protected]
Eric Lobel . . . . ………. . . . .
Recording Secretary
[email protected]
Charles Drago.. . . . . . . . . . . .
Nominating Committee Chair
[email protected]
Paulette Peterson…………...
Immediate Past President
[email protected]
The difference between
a successful person and
others is not a lack of
strength, not a lack of
knowledge, but rather a
lack in will.
Vince Lombardi