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  • 1.  RN's ordering diagnostic radiology exams

    Posted 12-09-2020 16:45
    Hello team-


    We have a local RN who is adamant she can now order diagnostic imaging without a physician's signature or oversight, claiming this is allowed under the Cares Act. I do so see verbiage in the CARES act allowing more responsibility for RNs in the Home Health Care arena but have not actually found the verbiage allowing this extender provision for diagnostic imaging order situations.   Does anyone have the answer to this question?

    Thanks for your help!

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    Vicki Melendez
    Radiology Regional Center
    Fort Myers FL
    239-936-2316
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  • 2.  RE: RN's ordering diagnostic radiology exams

    Posted 12-09-2020 17:26

    I believe she may be correct regarding clinical laboratory tests performed during the public health emergency, but not for orders for diagnostic tests.

     

    Here is the CFR language regarding which non-physicians can order diagnostic tests for Medicare beneficiaries, assuming they are also using the test results in their management of the patient's condition. This is taken from Medicare's ordering test rule.

     

    42 CFR 410.32(a)(2)  Application to nonphysician practitioners. 

     

    Nonphysician practitioners (that is, clinical nurse specialists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) who furnish services that would be physician services if furnished by a physician, and who are operating within the scope of their authority under State law and within the scope of their Medicare statutory benefit, may be treated the same as physicians treating beneficiaries for the purpose of this paragraph.

     

     

     

     

     




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  • 3.  RE: RN's ordering diagnostic radiology exams

    Posted 12-09-2020 17:53

    This exception is for advanced practice nurses.  Although both are RNs, RNs without a master's degree do not fit under this exception.

     

    Ruby O'Brochta-Woodward BSN, CPC, CPMA, CPB, CPC-I, COSC, CSFAC, RCC

    Certified Medical Coder and Educator| Consulting Radiologists, Ltd.

    7505 Metro Blvd. | Suite 400 | Edina, MN | 55439

    Phone:  612.573.2223 | Fax:  612.573.2250

    ruby.obrochtawoodward@crlmed.com

    www.consultingradiologists.com


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