Florida

FIRST COAST SERVICE OPTIONS, INC.

The accuracy of non-invasive vascular diagnostic studies depends on the knowledge, skill and experience of the technologist and the physician performing the interpretation of the study. Consequently, the technologist and the physician must maintain proof of training and experience.

All non-invasive vascular diagnostic studies must be: (1) performed by a qualified physician, or (2) performed under the general supervision of a qualified physician by a technologist who has demonstrated minimum entry level competency by being credentialed in vascular technology, and/or (3) performed in a laboratory accredited in vascular technology.

A qualified physician for this service is defined as follows: 1) A physician who has staff privileges to interpret vascular laboratory studies in a hospital that participates in the Medicare program in the state of Florida (as applicable); or 2) A physician who works in a certified vascular laboratory; or 3) A physician who has the RVT or the RPVI (Registered Physician in Vascular interpretation - provided by the ARDMS) certificate; or 4) Physicians who are not covered by one of these criteria will have until 2008 to comply.

Examples of certification in vascular technology for non-physician personnel include:

  • Registered Vascular Technologist [RVT] credential
  • Registered Vascular Specialist [RVS] credential
  • Registered Technologist in Vascular Sonography [RT(VS)]

These credentials must be provided by nationally recognized credentialing organizations such as:

  • The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) which provides RDMS and RVT credentials
  • The Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) which provides RVS credentials
  • The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

Appropriate nationally recognized laboratory accreditation bodies include:

  • Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL)
  • American College of Radiology (ACR)

Note: General Supervision means the procedure is furnished under the physician's overall direction and control, but the physician's presence is not required during the performance of the procedure. Under general supervision, the training of the nonphysician personnel who actually performs the diagnostic procedure and the maintenance of the necessary equipment and supplies are the continuing responsibility of the physician.

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