New CMS XR-29 "Smart Dose" Rules Now in Effect; See Updated FAQs

Federal law requiring that health care providers comply with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) XR-29 Standard Attributes on CT Equipment Related to Dose Optimization and Management, or face payment cuts for using non-compliant CT equipment is now in effect. As of January 1, 2016, the technical component for certain imaging procedures performed on CT equipment not in compliance with all four attributes of the XR-29 Standard are subject to a 5 percent per scan payment reduction. The penalty will rise to 15 percent beginning January 1, 2017. Providers must ensure they are appropriately billing under the new requirements. Failure to appropriately bill could result in a debt owed to the federal government and even civil monetary penalties if a provider knows of an overpayment and fails to properly report and return it. ACR has developed an FAQ that explains the new XR-29 requirements with specificity and provides information to help facilities comply.
Source: American College of Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: news