Wiki Ultrasound question

[TLC]

Does anybody have any idea if there are "Reimbersment Guidelines" for having a Lower Extremity Arterial Ultrasound done with "printed" pressures results as compared to "hand written" pressures. We have a Xray temp in office right now that will not do these ultrasounds because our monitor does not PRINT out the results. She said she has "reimbersment guidlines" that show it needs to be printed as compared to hand written. Hopefully someone can help with this. Also why should it matter to her about reimbersment she doesn't get paid by that. Thank you

 

[RADCODER]

Hello,
According the the ACR:

http://www.acr.org/~/media/ACR/Documents/PGTS/guidelines/US_Peripheral_Arterial.pdf

"VI. DOCUMENTATION
Each organization will address this section in its document. ACR language is as follows:
Adequate documentation is essential for high-quality patient care. There should be a permanent record of the
ultrasound examination and its interpretation. Comparison with prior relevant imaging studies may prove helpful.
Images of all appropriate areas, both normal and abnormal, should be recorded. Variations from normal size should
generally be accompanied by measurements. Images should be labeled with the patient identification, facility
identification, examination date, and image orientation. An official interpretation (final report) of the ultrasound
examination should be included in the patient?s medical record. Retention of the ultrasound examination images
should be consistent both with clinical need and with relevant legal and local health care facility requirements.
Reporting should be in accordance with the ACR Practice Parameter for Communication of Diagnostic Imaging
Findings."

I would think that as long as the measurements are recorded and are scanned into an imaging system with patient identifiers it is acceptable. When the Radioogists dictates his/her report he will reference the pressures documented.