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Providers of computed tomography ( CT ) scans can now achieve American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation in a matter of weeks by using the College’s new online “ACRedit” application system. The new program streamlines the process and allows facilities offering CT to move through accreditation more efficiently. “ACRedit” has helped providers of other services mandated for accreditation by Medicare to complete the process in an average time of only 63 days (from when ACR receives test images until facilities receive their final report).

“Accreditation turnaround time is important, given the Jan. 2012, Medicare deadline for accreditation of non-hospital imaging facilities, the high volume of applications and that the Medicare mandate may eventually extend to hospitals,” said Harvey L. Neiman, MD, FACR, American College of Radiology Chief Executive Officer. “California recently moved to require accreditation of all CT providers, effective 2013. Private insurers and other states may eventually follow suit. The new online ACR system can readily and efficiently help providers meet such requirements.”

ACR’s fee structure is simple and transparent, and the ACR, unlike other accrediting bodies, does not require a fee to access the application. Plus, highly trained technologists who are certified in each modality staff the ACR dedicated support team that can guide providers through all stages of the accreditation process.

“The ACR accreditation program is the industry’s gold standard in image assessment, recognized by patients and payers as a sign of an extraordinary commitment to quality care. Now facilities can achieve that gold standard in half the time and do the application process completely online. I strongly urge facilities to take advantage of this new tool to get the best accreditation in the most efficient way possible,” said Neiman.

The ACR programs, designed and developed by radiologists and medical physicists, have accredited more than 20,000 facilities nationwide. ACR accreditation is a comprehensive, yet flexible process where evaluators pay special attention to image quality in addition to equipment, quality control procedures, quality assurance programs and personnel qualifications.

“ACR accreditation is educational, helps facilities strengthen their quality assurance and demonstrates to patients, referring physicians, payers and government agencies a commitment to providing quality care. Patients often seek out facilities with ACR accreditation which allows facilities to use their ACR accredited status as a valuable marketing and patient outreach tool. Now facilities can get that recognition and give patients peace of mind in only a matter of weeks,” said Neiman.

Effective Jan. 1, 2012, all providers who bill for PET, MRI, CT and nuclear medicine under part B of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule must be accredited in order to receive technical component reimbursement from Medicare. The ACR, recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as national medical imaging accrediting body, has the experience, expertise  and infrastructure to help large numbers of advanced medical imaging providers gain accredited status as mandated by the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

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Source: ACR