In a recent webinar, Gerry Cvitanovich, MD, the recipient of the UCA 2024 Advocacy Award and current Treasurer of the UCA Board, shared his inspiring journey and advocacy efforts aimed at addressing the critical shortage of X-ray technologists in Urgent Care centers. Cvitanovich’s story highlights the importance of collaboration, perseverance, and innovative problem-solving in healthcare advocacy.
Dr. Cvitanovich began his career in urgent care in 2002, founding East Jefferson After Hours, which later evolved into a successful chain of centers eventually acquired by the Ochsner Health System. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Ochsner Health, he oversees urgent care, occupational medicine, employee health, and student health initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Cvitanovich serves as the elected coroner for Jefferson Parish, a role that keeps him deeply involved in the New Orleans metro area.
The national shortage of X-ray technologists has hit Louisiana particularly hard. As urgent care centers multiplied, the demand for X-ray services surged, but the supply of trained technologists remained stagnant. Dr. Cvitanovich noted that graduates from X-ray tech programs could barely replace retirees, let alone meet new demands.
When Dr. Cvitanovich started his urgent care centers, finding X-ray techs was not an issue. However, as the industry expanded, the shortage became a significant barrier to providing quality care. With over 200 urgent care centers in Louisiana and thousands more nationwide, urgent care facilities faced an uphill battle to attract qualified staff.
Dr. Cvitanovich and his colleagues initially sought solutions within the existing framework. They found that other states had varying regulations, some with limited-scope X-ray technologists who could perform basic imaging but not more advanced procedures like CAT scans or MRIs.
In Louisiana, strict laws limited who could perform X-rays, with fewer restrictions on chiropractors, dentists, and podiatrists than on physician-led urgent care centers. Seeking a level playing field, Dr. Cvitanovich explored options for introducing limited-scope X-ray technologists in urgent care settings.
A pivotal moment came when Dr. Cvitanovich discovered a little-known position defined in the 1980s called the Private Radiographic Technologist (PRT). Although this position required physician supervision, it offered a potential solution. After extensive legal review, it was determined that PRTs could work in non-provider-based environments like urgent care centers.
Dr. Cvitanovich collaborated with Dr. Kevin De Benedetto of Premier Health and other urgent care leaders to present a unified front to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME). They proposed a training curriculum called “Control the Dose,” developed by an experienced company in Nebraska, and successfully obtained approval for PRTs to operate under remote supervision using advanced telemedicine technology.
Despite initial victories, the advocacy effort faced opposition from the state radiographic technologist board. Dr. Cvitanovich and his team continued to fight, leveraging support from the governor and demonstrating the practical benefits of their proposal. Their persistence paid off, resulting in significant progress for urgent care centers across Louisiana.
With the PRT program in place, Dr. Cvitanovich and his colleagues are now training and deploying new technologists, easing the staffing crisis. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also provides high school graduates with new career opportunities in the medical field.
Dr. Cvitanovich’s experience underscores several key takeaways:
As urgent care centers continue to grow, Dr. Cvitanovich’s advocacy serves as a model for addressing systemic challenges through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to patient care. His story is a testament to the power of effective advocacy in shaping the future of healthcare.
