North Carolina

CIGNA HEALTHCARE MEDICARE ADMINISTRATION

“Noninvasive vascular studies include performance of the studies, supervision of the studies, and interpretation of study results with copies for patient records. The use of a simple hand-held or other Doppler device that does not produce hard copy output and that does not permit analysis of bi-directional vascular flow, is considered part of the physical examination of the vascular system and is not reported separately to Medicare for reimbursement. Reporting of the procedure includes the interpretation and some evidence of the technical component of the procedure.

The accuracy of noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of the technologist and the physician performing the interpretation of the study. Consequently, technologists and physicians must be able to show documentation of training and experience as well as maintain these credentials at each office site.

All noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies must be: (1) performed by a qualified physician, (2) performed by or under the supervision of persons that have demonstrated minimum entry level competency as evidenced by being credentialed in vascular technology, or (3) performed in facilities with 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. Appropriate laboratory accreditation includes the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) and/or the American College of Radiology (ACR). This accreditation will be required as of January 1, 2002.”