Great question. We started using RA's in May 2019. Several calls with attorney and the ACR. This is where we ended:
Medicare Part B:
- Looks towards Physician Supervision of Diagnostic Procedures
- 74270 (Colon) - RA may perform under direct supervision (this is for the TC side of course, Supervision = 03)
- 23350 (Injection for Shoulder Arthrograhm) - RA can't do (Supervison = 09)
Medicare Part A:
- We didn't find supervision was required
Commercial Plan:
- Look towards contractual requirements
Now you have potentially three different scenarios. Some groups might stay with the lowest common denominator and use Medicare Part B rules for all pts. Others may be more aggressive and try to use the specific rules for each class of pt.
Our Group will also use RA's to perform pre-dictation (measurements) on US and DEXA as well.
And at the end of the day you have to cost justify the RA's. Our view was saving a radiologist one hour each day ( M - F) cost justified the addition of an RA.
We also found Medicare Part B rules to be more restrictive than the hospital or imaging center medical staff credentialing.
Good luck......Chris
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R. Christopher Sluder CPA
Administrator
Rome Radiology Group
Rome GA
(706) 291-2661
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2021 17:40
From: Christie James
Subject: Radiology Assistants
Hi everyone,
Do you have specific procedures that your hospital would be considered in the scope of the RAs practice? The radiologists would be available and supervising the procedures, but I am curious what procedures you have your RA's performing. Thank you for your help!
Christie
Christie D. James, MS, FRBMA
Associate Director, Group Practice Management
Professional Billing Office
C: 802-291-5308|O: 617-724-4106|FAX: 617-643-7941|Email: cdjames@partners.org
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