Teleradiology
Teleradiology Q&A
1. Are there any qualifications that need to be met by a physician who is interpreting images via electronic transmission (teleradiology)?
Yes. The physician interpreting images via electronic transmission should possess the understanding of strengths and weaknesses of the basic technology of teleradiology and should be knowledgeable in the use of the equipment. The interpreting physician also should have qualifications that comply with the ACR Technical Standards for the particular diagnostic modality being transmitted through teleradiology. Physicians should consult with their professional liability carrier to ensure coverage and maintain licensure at both transmitting and receiving sites.
2. Can radiologists be reimbursed for services performed outside the United States?
No. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule excludes from payment those services that are performed outside of the United States, such as the interpretation of x-rays. Preliminary interpretations or “wet reads” performed from outside the United States which are re-interpreted by an accredited radiologist within the United States are reimbursed when a formal report is generated.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) firmly suggests that overseas radiologists be licensed by the state(s) and credentialed by the U.S. hospital(s) that contracts for their services as stated in the American College of Radiology Teleradiology Technical Standards. The physician’s reading of these x-rays is also recommended to be covered by medical malpractice insurance. These guidelines have been established to ensure the protection of the patient.
3. Should the telemedicine codes identified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS) in Section 270.2 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual, be used alone or in conjunction with radiology codes to report radiology services performed via tele-imaging or teleradiology?
No, telemedicine codes should not be used as stand alone codes or in conjunction with radiology codes to report any teleradiology or tele-imaging service performed.
Radiology services are excluded from any telemedicine services. When formal imaging interpretation and reporting services are provided either on-site or remotely (the latter using established tele-imaging standards), such services are appropriately described by the existing radiology CPT codes. For example, the formal interpretation of any chest x-ray is appropriately reported by one of the radiologic examination codes 71010, 71015, 71020, etc.
4. Are teleradiology services which are performed within the United Stated reimbursable?
Yes. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will reimburse the physician for interpretation of electronically transmitted images if they are performed within the United States including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.