The Imaging Services Department has proposed a new policy and procedure for informing physicians when an order for an outpatient procedure is changed or modified.

In the following situations the Treating Physician or Qualified Non-Physician Practitioner (NPP) will NOT be contacted and the order will be modified based on consulting with the radiologist:

· Clear/Obvious Error - Order for right when there is clearly an injury to the left.

· Additional Imaging Test - When an additional imaging test is medically necessary.

· Imaging Test Parameters - Changing the number of views, thickness of slice or changing a cross sectional exam to with, without or with & without contrast.

· Mammography - Additional views or testing based upon screening or diagnostic mammogram.

· Medical Emergency

· Cancellation/Condition of Patient - Patient not appropriately prepped, patient unable to stand or tolerate the procedure.

When a procedure is scheduled in advance, a technologist will review the prescription and reason for exam. If the exam is inconsistent with the diagnosis, the order will be reviewed with the radiologist. If the radiologist feels that a more appropriate exam is needed, the Imaging Scheduling Department will make every attempt to contract the ordering physician for approval and an updated prescription.

If the patient is in the Imaging Department and the ordering physician is not available, The Imaging Department will follow one of the two options:

· Reschedule the patient until additional information is obtained from the Treating Physician/NPP Or

· Proceed with the more appropriate test and fax the Authorization to Perform Different Imaging Test(s) Form to the Treating Physician/NPP. If the treating physician objects to the modified exam it will no be billed. If the Treating Physician/NPP does not respond the exam will be billed.

Please provide your feedback to Peggy Gaul, Director Imaging Services. Office 619-740-4813.

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