CRA

Changes in the New Year

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Perez_Rick

By Enrico M. Perez, CRA, FAHRA

I would like to wish all of you a happy and healthy holiday season and year ahead. The coming year will bring change, like it does every year, but for me there will be a big change. The start of 2016 will mark the first time in the past six years that I will not be representing my fellow CRAs as a commissioner on the RACC. I want to take a moment and say thank you for the trust you placed in me over these many years. To my fellow commissioners: it has been an honor to work with such dedicated and knowledgeable professionals. The addition of our two new commissioners will bring you back to full complement, and I am sure you will bring them up to speed quickly.

The work of the RACC is never ending. The CRA exam needs to be maintained to ensure it contains current questions which reflect our ever changing environment. Although some of the basics behind our industry (taking care of patients and assisting in their diagnosis and treatment) will not change, we all know that there are new challenges in imaging all the time. Our world of imaging is expensive, making us a target in cost reduction initiatives and efficiency. We are being asked to do much more with less, while still making sure the patients and referring physicians are always happy – if not, our scores will not be where they need to be. By having a CRA leading our imaging department, we demonstrate to patients and others in our facilities and our industry that the department is being led by someone who understands the environment and their needs.

Our growth in the number of CRAs has been very positive. Many job descriptions now contain “CRA preferred” language, and mentors are encouraging our up and coming leaders of the future to set a goal for achieving their CRA. In 2016, let’s continue our mission to ensure that imaging departments are run by professionals who understand this world, and keep fighting for the recognition deserved. I encourage each CRA to volunteer and get involved; it is through the efforts of all CRAs that we continue to gain knowledge and acceptance for the credential.

Enrico M. Perez, CRA, FAHRA is the director of radiology at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY. He is also the 2014 Chair of the RACC.  He can be reached at eperez@winthrop.org. 

6 comments

  2. Awesome article Rick! Thanks for your commitment and dedication as the RACC commissioner for the past 6 years. Look how far we (CRAs) have grown! Many thanks again.

  3. Rick, the expertise you have shared with the RACC over the years has been invaluable. Congratulations on completing your eligibility, you have done our credential well.

  4. Rick – you set the CRA standard successfully high! we witnessed significant milestones under your leadership, like the CRA becoming the preferred and in most required credential for Imaging Administrators.
    Thank you!

  5. Fabulous job, Rick. You should be very proud of the accomplishments of the RACC as you have influenced, supported and helped create what the RACC and the CRA are today.

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