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Introduction
Offering a significant win for imaging centers across the country, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed to extend the allowance for remote monitoring of certain diagnostic imaging exams through 2025. This decision, announced on July 10, 2024, comes as welcome news for radiologists and imaging facilities that have embraced telehealth technologies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Extension: What You Need to Know
The proposed extension, part of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2025, would enable physicians to continue providing virtual direct supervision for contrast-enhanced imaging studies such as MRI and CT scans. This flexibility, initially granted in 2020 as a response to social distancing requirements, was set to expire at the end of 2024.
Key points of the extension include:
- Continuation of remote supervision through December 31, 2025.
- Approval of coverage for Level 2 diagnostic tests furnished under direct supervision.
- Continued requirements for 'immediate availability' via two-way, real-time audio and visual communication technology.
Impact on Imaging Centers
For imaging centers, this extension offers several benefits:
- Continued Flexibility: Centers can maintain their current workflows that incorporate remote supervision, avoiding disruption to established practices.
- Enhanced Access to Care: Patients in rural or underserved areas can continue to access necessary imaging services without delay.
- Cost-Effective Operations: Imaging centers can continue to optimize their staffing and resources and expand their hours by leveraging remote supervision capabilities.
The Future of Remote Supervision
While the extension is a positive development, CMS has not yet made this change permanent. We, along with the American College of Radiology (ACR) and other industry advocates continue to push for long-term adoption of remote supervision policies, given the proven safety and efficacy of the virtual supervision model.
Tom Greeson, a prominent attorney in the radiology field and former ACR general counsel, expressed disappointment that CMS didn't make the change permanent, stating, "Even with the one-year extension, the failure of CMS to make virtual supervision permanent is certainly disappointing, especially given the record of safety and efficacy of virtual supervision to date."
Preparing for the Future
As we look ahead, imaging centers should consider the following:
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any further developments or changes in CMS policies regarding remote supervision, including any updates to the 2025 Physician Fee Schedule.
- Invest in Technology: Ensure your facility has robust, HIPAA-compliant audiovisual communication systems in place to take advantage of these continued benefits.
- Train Staff: Maintain ongoing training for both on-site and remote staff to ensure smooth operations and patient safety.
- Document Efficacy: Keep detailed records of your remote supervision practices to support industry-wide efforts for permanent adoption.
Conclusion
The extension of remote supervision for contrast-enhanced imaging studies represents a significant opportunity for imaging centers to continue providing efficient, accessible care. While the future of this policy remains unclear beyond 2025, the industry's strong track record with virtual supervision bodes well for likely long-term adoption.
At Tether Supervision, we're committed to helping imaging centers navigate these regulatory changes and optimize their contrast coverage practices. For more information on how this extension might affect your facility, or to learn about our contrast supervision services, visit contrastcoveragetexas.com or contact our team of experts today.
Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to monitor this evolving situation and advocate for the needs of imaging centers across the country.
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