July 20, 2011 | Comments Off on Diagnostic Testing: Accreditation for Medicare
Posted by Beth Christian
Physicians, non-physician practitioners and Independent Diagnostic Testing Facilities that furnish the technical component (TC) of advanced diagnostic imaging services will need to become accredited in order to bill the Medicare program for such services after January 1, 2012.
Advanced diagnostic imaging procedures are defined as including diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET). The Secretary of HHS is authorized to specify other diagnostic imaging services as needing accreditation in consultation with physician specialty organizations and other stakeholders.
The accreditation requirement specifically excludes x-ray, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy procedures, as well as diagnostic and screening mammography. The American College of Radiology, The Joint Commission, and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission have been approved by CMS as accreditation agencies. Providers who furnish the technical component of radiology services should make sure that they are on track to become accredited by the applicable deadline.