The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the American College of Radiology (ACR), the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission

(IAC), and The Joint Commission (TJC) have been approved as the exclusive accrediting organizations for compliance with the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA).

As part of the MIPPA, advanced imaging providers must receive accreditation by one of the three named accrediting organizations.

A statement from the ACR responded to the announcement, saying “The ACR stands ready to help providers comply with CMS’ requirement that all providers of CT, MRI, PET and nuclear medicine exams who bill for the technical component under the fee schedule be accredited by Jan. 1, 2012, in order to be reimbursed by Medicare for these services.”

The ACR has expanded its web site accreditation section with information to help facilities start the accreditation process and answer pertinent questions.

Michael Kulczycki, executive director, Ambulatory Care Accreditation Program, at The Joint Commission (TJC) said in an interview with Imaging Economics, “Centers should get familiar with the various processes of all the CMS designated accreditors and also assess each accreditor’s approach to the standards. Accreditors have different approaches, so imaging centers need to educate themselves and select the right one for them.” (The full interview with Michael Kulczycki can be viewed online at www.imagingeconomics.com and in the January/February issue of Imaging Economics.)

James H. Thrall, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors said in the ACR statement, “I strongly urge medical imaging providers to begin the accreditation process as early as possible. Not only will this help them maintain and improve the quality of care they provide to patients, but it will help them avoid the rush to gain accreditation that will almost surely occur as the Jan. 1, 2012, accreditation deadline approaches.”

Kulczycki also advised in the Imaging Economics interview, “Often, there is a tendency to wait until the last minute. However, the planning and the process take time. When 2012 comes and you’re not ready, you’ll lose out on reimbursement. And, providers should also keep in mind that any CMS mandate tends to cascade down to private payors, too. From a business perspective, being prepared should be a priority.”

To start the process of getting your advanced imaging facility accredited visit:

The American College of Radiology (ACR) www.acr.org/accreditation.aspx

The Joint Commission (TJC) www.jointcommission.org/AdvImaging2012

Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) www.intersocietal.org/intersocietal.htm

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