Practice Management

Good evening,

I've reviewed the forum and seen earlier posts but they didn't address my specific questions. 

In one of the earlier posts Pam Kassing posted a link to an ACR Practice Parameter that stated contrast studies should be supervised by a licensed Radiologist or a licensed physician that is trained in contrast injections and possible reactions.

In our particular scenario a group of physicians (non-Radiologists) will be the primary owners of an IDTF.  For the purposes of contrast administration they would like to have anesthesiologists that office in the building come down to the Radiology suite during the contrast studies.   Who else would be more prepared to handle a contrast reaction than an anesthesiologist?

I believe that this scenario would be acceptable, but I need references from CMS stating this.  Can anyone point me to any references?

Thank you for your help!

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Cindy Pittmon RCC, CHBME, FRBMA
Founder, President, CEO
Acclaim Radiology Management
Longview TX
(903) 663-4800
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Original Message------

Good evening,

I've reviewed the forum and seen earlier posts but they didn't address my specific questions. 

In one of the earlier posts Pam Kassing posted a link to an ACR Practice Parameter that stated contrast studies should be supervised by a licensed Radiologist or a licensed physician that is trained in contrast injections and possible reactions.

In our particular scenario a group of physicians (non-Radiologists) will be the primary owners of an IDTF.  For the purposes of contrast administration they would like to have anesthesiologists that office in the building come down to the Radiology suite during the contrast studies.   Who else would be more prepared to handle a contrast reaction than an anesthesiologist?

I believe that this scenario would be acceptable, but I need references from CMS stating this.  Can anyone point me to any references?

Thank you for your help!

------------------------------
Cindy Pittmon RCC, CHBME, FRBMA
Founder, President, CEO
Acclaim Radiology Management
Longview TX
(903) 663-4800
------------------------------

Original Message------

Cindy ... You need to check the MAC supervision requirements. Some MACs require that it be a radiologist for contrast supervision. The other requirement some MACs establish is that the supervising physician be knowledgeable about the study...If neither is required by the MAC then the scenario you outline is likely acceptable. If only the knowledge requirement exists you may be able to also make it work at least from my perspective..... Hope that helps....

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Hi Cindy

Be sure you're looking at the IDTF LCD.  That's where they frequently throw in the additional language about the supervising physician being qualified to interpret the study.

Dave

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David Smith FACMPE
Executive Director
United Imaging Consultants
Mission KS
(785) 393-8387
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-09-2020 20:38
From: Cindy Pittmon
Subject: Contrast Supervision

Thank you, Keith. 

 

That is exactly what I've provided thus far and the MAC only states that a
"physician" is required, but the reading Radiology group is still pressing the issue.  

 

Cindy

Original Message------

Cindy ... You need to check the MAC supervision requirements. Some MACs require that it be a radiologist for contrast supervision. The other requirement some MACs establish is that the supervising physician be knowledgeable about the study...If neither is required by the MAC then the scenario you outline is likely acceptable. If only the knowledge requirement exists you may be able to also make it work at least from my perspective..... Hope that helps....

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

Original Message------

Thank you, Keith. 

 

That is exactly what I've provided thus far and the MAC only states that a
"physician" is required, but the reading Radiology group is still pressing the issue.  

 

Cindy