Radiology Compliance Handbook Approved for CE Credits; Booklet Helps Hospitals, Centers Avoid Violations, Reimbursement Problems.

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. -- A new training handbook for radiology technologists was approved this month for one Category A credit from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. The Radiology Technologist's Coding Compliance Handbook is a 64-page reference and training tool featuring 16 modality specific case studies in categories like CT and MRI to make sure technologists understand their role in compliance and radiology billing.

"When the techs complete a study, it's important for their documentation to be there, for them to question physician orders and for them to understand that their info goes right to billing," says Russell Cain, director of diagnostic imaging for Haymed Health System.

Authored by coding educator Stacie Buck and published by HCPro Inc., the handbook helps technologists learn countless coding/compliance essentials, such as

--What to do when referring physicians fail to provide diagnostic information documenting the reason for the test

--How and when to conduct a medical necessity check

--How to prevent coding mistakes and compliance breakdowns

Radiology technologists do a range of billing-related tasks, including diagnosis code selection and test order verification. Each step has a significant impact on a hospital or imaging center's reimbursement. "Any missteps along the way jeopardize not only the organization's financial stability, but compliance as well," says Buck.

"While the ASRT recognized that this training is valuable for technologists, the handbook ultimately is a great safety net to make sure organizations lessen the chance of government violations or reimbursement problems," says Bryan Cote, the handbook's editor.

Two technologists reviewed the handbook. Each handbook includes a form to properly document phone orders and to collect information on incomplete or invalid test orders.

To order copies for your staff, call HCPro's customer service department at 800-650-6787 or visit HCPro's Healthcare Marketplace at http://www.hcmarketplace.com/prod-3362-EB41198A.html .