Patient Disclosure Requirements for MRI, CT, and PET Scans
March 3, 2011
As of January 1, 2011 The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, requires all physicians who are scheduling a patient for a MRI, CT, or PET scan in the physician's practice - must supply the patient with alternative imaging facilities. The notice must be in writing and must be supplied to the patient at the time of the referral.
There must be at least five separate choices along with the addresses within 25 miles of physicians practice. The exception to this rule is if there are less than five facilities within 25 miles then only the ones available would be listed.
This list must be updated yearly to make sure the listed facilities are still operational. The list must also be written so that a reasonable person could understand it. Not complying with this rule would result in a violation of the federal Stark Law.
If you have any questions concerning this matter; please contact Melesia Tillman, CPC, CRHC, CHA at (404) 633 – 3777 ext. 820 or via email at .
