What happened between Sutter and RAS?
For many years, RAS provided all hospital-based radiology services for Sutter. Late last year, Sutter notified RAS that they had decided to end this relationship effective March 31, 2010 when the existing contract was set to expire. Sutter said their decision was unrelated to the quality of care provided by RAS. Sutter said they made this decision for business reasons.

I go to Sutter for my medical care. Can I still go to RAS for outpatient radiology services?
Yes, you may to go any of RAS’ 17 diagnostic outpatient imaging centers and seven Radiation Oncology Centers. We accept all major health insurance plans in the Sacramento region, except Kaiser. For a complete list of health insurance plans we accept, please click here.

I’ve heard RAS will still be seeing some patients in Sutter hospitals. Is this true?
Yes. If you have certain insurance plans and are under the care of a Sutter Physicians Alliance (SPA) primary care doctor, a RAS radiologist will still read and interpret all of your studies. To find out if your doctor is a member of SPA, please click here.

My doctor says I can no longer come to RAS. Is that true?
No. All patients, including those with Sutter insurance plans, have the right to choose RAS for their radiology needs. You can choose to be seen at RAS and should discuss this preference with your physician. We accept nearly all major health insurance plans in the Sacramento region, including Medicare, Medi-Cal and TriCare. Only Kaiser patients are excluded. For a complete list of health insurance plans we accept, please click here.

I have Medicare. Can I still come to RAS?
Yes. As you would with any other insurance plan, you have the right to choose your radiology provider.

I am a patient at RAS’ Radiation Oncology Center inside the Sutter Cancer Center. Do I have to go to a new facility?
No. These changes do not affect radiation oncology patients at any of RAS' seven Radiation Oncology Centers.

Can I ask my doctor to refer me to RAS?
Yes. You deserve the best. You have the right to choose your radiology provider. When your doctor says you need an imaging exam (such as a mammogram, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI or PET), you can choose to go to a RAS facility.

The referral form my doctor gave me has the logo of another radiology provider on it. Do I have to go to that provider?
No. Your referral is for an exam, not a provider. RAS will be able to complete the exam regardless of the provider’s referral form. RAS will accept referrals in any form as long as there is a physician’s signature.

I have an appointment scheduled at RAS after April 1, 2010. Do I need to reschedule it?
No. All outpatient exams and procedures will be handled as they always have been.

How do I schedule an appointment at a RAS imaging center?
If you need to schedule a screening mammogram, please visit BookMyMammogram.com. For all other exams and services, please call (916) 453-9999 in Sacramento or (916) 784-2277 in Roseville 

What is RAS doing to educate its patients about these changes?
RAS wants to make sure all patients understand that they have the right to choose their radiologist. We’ve developed patient materials for placement in our outpatient facilities that help explain patients’ rights and ensure that all patients know they can choose RAS.

Why can’t Sutter and RAS reestablish their contractual relationship?
RAS has a long history of working in Sutter hospitals and wants nothing more than to continue to serve patients in these hospitals. We are always willing to work with Sutter the same way we have, setting the pace for recognized excellence and quality in radiology and providing patients in Sutter hospitals with the best radiology services in the greater Sacramento region.

How will the end of this relationship with Sutter affect RAS?
RAS’ community-based radiologists will continue to provide quality, cost effective radiology services for patients at our many convenient outpatient facilities. We will continue to innovate, grow and develop new services to meet the needs of our patients.

I have more questions. How can I get them answered?
If you have further questions, please feel free to call us at (916) 646-8300 or click here to be directed to our Contact Us form. A RAS representative will respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.