Our staff advises all contrast patients that contrast is
safe (unless they are in kidney failure), depending on the patient's health we may/may not request a blood test.
But the
most important of all is that we advise all patients that an MD will be onsite to answer any questions, at the patient's side if they are uncomfortable with the test and at the very least in our facility at all times during their scan.
A diagnostic test is stress-inducing enough without this compassionate approach.
Very few of our patients panic when they understand that they will be injected with contrast and we have
very few who refuse at time of scan.
We immediately advise the referring doctor that the patient refused, and to ensure payment we may ask for another prescription without contrast specified as part of the scan.
Of course, we also advise the patient that our preferred contrast agent (Dotarem-for MRI) is among the most safe of all, but this is better stated while scheduling the appointment. This provides the patient an opportunity to discuss contrast with their doctor prior to visiting our facility.
------------------------------
William Kisse
COO
Washington Open MRI, Inc.
Rockville, MD
bill@womri.com(301) 424-4888
https://www.linkedin.com/in/billkisse/------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2019 14:19
From: Sherrie Beard
Subject: IV Contrast - To Scare or not to scare?
Shanon,
We call the patient a day or two ahead to remind them of their appointment. We tell the patient which exam has been scheduled.
For CT we ask about allergic reactions and if they have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast.
For MRI we do a mini MRI safety check with the patient. Metal's, implants etc.
In both calls the dialogue has begun to discuss contrast. We rarely have anyone refuse once they arrive for the exam.
Best Regards,
Sherrie L. Beard
Director Provider Relations & Out Patient Services
Pitts Radiology
Cell Phone: (803) 622-2419
PITTS RADIOLOGY CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately.
Original Message------
We constantly have patients that have been scheduled for IV contrast, then refuse contrast when they are on the exam table. Obviously with the Auth, we cannot change it on the fly. Most of the time, patient's don't want the contrast because they did not realize they would need to get it intravenously. Do your schedulers stress the fact that they are given a shot at the time of the exam or should the schedulers stress it more or less when scheduling? What is your experience with scared patients and how do you encourage the contrast if that is going to get them the best image for their diagnosis? Thanks!
------------------------------
Shanon Mayes
COO
Desert Medical Imaging, LLC
Indian Wells CA
------------------------------