More U.S. imaging facilities are looking at overseas teleradiology as a solution to staffing and workload problems. But further dissemination of the practice could be hindered due to a web of legal and reimbursement rules that can restrict facilities from sending images abroad for interpretation.
An article we're featuring in our PACS Digital Community addresses many of the legal and ethical questions surrounding overseas teleradiology. Contributing editor Deborah R. Dakins explains how many providers of overseas teleradiology have structured their operations to keep things on the up and up.
For example, Medicare prohibits reimbursement for studies in which the primary interpretation is rendered outside the U.S. So some teleradiology firms configure their PACS software to create separate worklists for Medicare and non-Medicare exams.
Not surprisingly, malpractice insurance is another major issue facing providers and users of overseas teleradiology. The interpreting radiologist must have liability coverage applicable to both the sending and interpreting locations, and the sites must maintain exacting QA and teleradiology standards.
But despite all these complications, providers of overseas teleradiology forecast strong demand for their services as long as market forces work in their favor.
While we’re on the subject of regulation, be sure to check out a new article, also in the PACS Digital Community, on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. The story specifically addresses security aspects of HIPAA, and how imaging facilities can bring their operations into compliance with the law’s final security rule, published this week.
For both stories, as well as all the news that’s fit to post about PACS, just point your browser to pacs.auntminnie.com.
