Question:
What supervision level is required for a diagnostic mammogram?
Answer:
Nothing in the regulations requires supervision by a radiologist for mammography procedures. The October 31, 1997, Healthcare Financing Administration (now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS) final rule clarifying the appropriate level of physician supervision for diagnostic tests payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule does not apply to mammography procedures. Mammography is covered under the Food and Drug Administration’s Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) guidelines, which also do not address the issue of supervision. However, the American College of Radiology’s Practice Parameter of Screening and Diagnostic Mammography recommends direct supervision of diagnostic procedures. Direct supervision is defined as the physician being present and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the procedure. Direct supervision also may be accomplished via telemammography, as long as the interpreting physician is immediately available.
