Louisiana
“Noninvasive vascular studies utilize ultrasonic Doppler and
physiologic principles to assess irregularities in blood flow in
arterial and venous systems. The display may be a two dimensional
image with spectral analysis and color flow or a plethysmographic
recording.1 A hard copy, or a soft copy convertible to a hard copy,
provides a permanent record of the study performed and must be of
a quality that meets accepted standards2. Contrast arteriography
and phlebography are standard diagnostic techniques for evaluation
of arterial and venous diseases. These techniques are invasive and
involve additional expense, time, discomfort and risks to the patient.
Reliable, valid and accurate noninvasive studies are necessary to
offset this problem. It is the responsibility of the provider to
ensure the quality of the noninvasive studies. The accuracy of noninvasive
vascular studies depends on the knowledge, skill and experience
of the technologist and interpreter. Consequently, the providers
of interpretations must be capable of demonstrating documented training
and experience and maintain documentation for post-payment audit.
All noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies must be either (1) performed
by, or under the general supervision of, persons that have demonstrated
minimum entry level competency by being credentialed in vascular
technology, or (2) performed in laboratories accredited in vascular
technology. Examples of appropriate personnel certification include
the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential and the Registered
Vascular Specialist (RVS) credential in Vascular Technology, and
appropriate laboratory accreditation include the Intersocietal Commission
for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL), or the American
College of Radiology (ACR). Effective January 1, 2005, documentation
of either the RVS, RVT or facility accreditation will be required
each January prior to billing electronically for that new year and
with any and all submitted paper claims. Supervisory levels of diagnostic
tests must be in accordance with Program Memorandum B-01-28.”
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