An ACR chair and clinical leader has asked Congress to require accreditation of imaging and radiation oncology facilities.

E. Stephen Amis, M.D., FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Task Force on Radiation Dose in Medicine, appeared before a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Thursday, where he advocated that Congress require accreditation of all facilities billing Medicare for advanced medical imaging and radiation oncology services, including hospitals. To do so, the ACR says, would reduce the probability of adverse patient events as well as establish baseline quality of care throughout the U.S. Concerns are growing within the health care industry regarding reported adverse events taking place during medical radiation procedures. The New York Times has been running an in-depth series on the topic.

An ACR press release states that the accreditation requirements effective in January 2012--through the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008--do not apply to radiation oncology, nor to hospital providers of advanced medical imaging.

"The problems outlined in recent news reports demonstrate the need for mandatory accreditation in all clinical settings, for all advanced diagnostic imaging services and radiation therapy. Hospitals should be held to the same quality and safety standards as free-standing facilities. Patients have a right to expect the same quality of care regardless of the setting in which they receive it," Dr. Amis said in the release.

He also stated that any imaging or radiation oncology accrediting body the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognizes "should have a proven track record in the specific fields of radiology and radiation oncology." In addition, Dr. Amis recommended that Congress support a national computed tomography dose registry. The ACR is currently implementing a dose index registry; Dr. Amis explained that a Congressional mandate would aid the process of implementing such a registry.

In addition, ACR advocates the passage of H. R. 3652, the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility, and Excellence in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Act of 2009. The text of the Act establishes experience, minimum standards, certification, and educational requirements for personnel performing medical imaging examinations or radiation therapy procedures. As example, the act says qualified individuals must possess current certification in each medical imaging or radiation therapy modality and service provided from a designated certification organization or possess current State licensure or certification. The act also provides for reimbursement only if the examination or procedure is planned or performed by an individual who meets the requirements of the act. Currently, the bill is in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Ways and Means.

Read more details and get helpful links from ACR:
www.dotmed.com/news/story/11827

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