Beyond the Images: Why Physician Advocacy Matters

Policy decisions affecting radiology do not start in the reading room, but they absolutely end there. In this special Voices of Experience conversation, Dianne Keen is joined by Amy Patel, MD, and Kimberly Beavers, MD, two breast imaging radiologists who have spent years turning physician experience into policy action. Together, they explore why advocacy matters, how relationships with lawmakers shape patient access, and why waiting until a rule is final is already too late.From Medicare reimbursement pressure to breast imaging coverage legislation, this episode shows what advocacy looks like when it moves beyond complaint and into action. Dr. Patel shares how Missouri’s screening legislation helped drive a 9% increase in mammography utilization among women with Medicaid, while both guests explain why patient stories often move policy more effectively than talking points alone. As Dr. Patel notes, 94% of federal elected officials are not in healthcare, which makes physician education, visibility, and participation essential.