A team from RadSite™, the most cost-effective and simple-to-use accreditation program in advanced diagnostic imaging, met with attendees last week in Chicago at the Radiological Society of North America’s 102nd Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, Nov. 27 – Dec. 2. The RadSite team provided information on the MIPPA Accreditation Standards (MAP) and demonstrated the online portal as well as answered questions about the current state of radiology as it pertains to advanced diagnostic imaging.

CMS Uses RadSite Approach to Set Standards

RadSite is one of four advanced diagnostic imaging organizations recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). RadSite has set the standard for quality in medical diagnostic imaging, so much so that CMS officials used the RadSite application as an opportunity to increase the relevance and overall effectiveness of the CMS accreditation requirements. After RadSite was recognized, CMS held a face-to-face meeting to discuss and upgrade the accreditation review process in key areas for all of the deemed accreditation organizations.

RadSite’s Key Differences

RadSite’s MAP Accreditation includes a review of personnel, policies and procedures, as well as sample clinical images and phantom studies. Unlike other accrediting bodies, however, RadSite does not mandate the purchase of a specific phantom for the evaluation of the physics component, but rather accepts many standards phantoms that providers may already own, potentially saving facilities thousands of dollars at the beginning of the application process.

Other differences include an easy-to-use, cost-effective and educational partner method:

  • Pricing is straightforward. Applicants pay a specific amount per machine with no hidden costs.
  • RadSite provides a simple, online application process with a wizard to help users step-by-step. And because the entire process is online, applicants don’t have to mail expensive packages.
  • RadSite’s accreditation is all-inclusive and non-modular based, so applicants don’t have to pay for dual accreditations.
  • RadSite offers a 60-day corrective action period for applicants to remedy deficiencies and improve processes rather than failing outright. This includes constructive feedback through consultative on-site visits that helps all applicants take gradual steps to better their quality.

Accreditation Requirements

Under the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), all imaging providers who offer CT, MRI and Nuclear Medicine, PET and SPECT, imaging exams, and who bill for the technical component under the physician fee schedule, must become accredited by a CMS-recognized accrediting organization to be eligible for claims reimbursement.

To find out more about the online portal and RadSite’s MIPPA Accreditation Program, visit www.radsitequality.com. For more information about RadSite, email info@radsitequality.com or to request a copy of the MAP Standards, click here.

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About RadSite™ (www.RadSiteQuality.com)

Founded in 2005, RadSite’s mission is to promote quality-based practices for imaging systems across the United States and its territories. In addition, RadSite is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as an official accreditation organization under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008. RadSite’s programs help assess, track and report imaging trends in an effort to enhance imaging procedures and outcomes. RadSite also offers educational programs, publishes issue briefs and underwrites research on a complimentary basis to raise awareness of patient safety issues and to promote best practices. The organization is governed by an independent board and committee system, which is open to a wide-range of volunteers to ensure transparency and accountability. To learn more about RadSite, please contact us at (443) 440-6007 or info@radsitequality.com.