The 2010 updated Joint Commission standard PC.01.02.15 requires that, when a diagnostic test is requested and requires a clinical interpretation, an indication for the test must be provided at the time of the request.

The SGH Imaging Department completed an audit for outpatients and inpatients with the following results:

Outpatient - 95% compliance
Inpatient - 28% compliance

Based on SGH's Periodic Performance Review (PPR) prepared in readiness for TJC surveys, an internal assessment of compliance with the standard must be done by the Imaging Department on a monthly basis.

To achieve compliance, physicians are being requested to include an indication for each diagnostic test ordered on the Physician Order Form.

Examples:

• CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast evaluation - abscess
• Chest x-ray - shortness of breath
• KUB - abdominal pain

The Spring 2010 issue of the OMSS Advocate is currently available online. Issue highlights include:

---More Hospital-Based Physicians Eligible for Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentives
---CMA Policy on Low and No-Volume Physician Privileging Approved
---New Physician Signage Regulations Take Effect 6/27
---California Interpretation of Emergency Transfer Laws More Restrictive than Feds
---Joint Commission Approves New Medical Staff Standard
---Federal Health Reform Impacts Medical Staffs
---CMA Revises Bylaws to Strengthen Medical Staff Self Governance Mechanisms
---OMSS Medical Staff Operations Survey

Are you interested in seeing a recently published issue of the E-Bulletin?