Q: I am not a cardiologist, radiologist, or vascular disease specialist.  Can I legally bill for ultrasound studies?

A: A doctor's specialty doesn't dictate whether or not he/she can bill for ultrasound tests.  Certain requirements, which may vary from state-to-state, have to be fulfilled in order to legally bill for ultrasound procedures.  Basic requirements for Medicare and other federally-funded programs are:

• Studies must be performed by: (a) a registered sonographer, (b) an accredited lab, or (c) a physician trained to perform ultrasound exams.  Sonographers must be registered and in good standing with ARDMS or CCI in each specialty (RDCS or RCS for echocardiography, RVT or RVS for vascular studies, RDMS for general ultrasound).
• Studies must be interpreted by a properly trained board-certified physician.

Contact individual health insurance providers or an attorney well-versed in health law for a comprehensive list of requirements.

Q: Can health insurance providers deny my claim for reimbursement?

A: Policies among various carriers may differ greatly so, it is always prudent to check with each insurer.  Internists should clarify reimbursement policies particularly with HMOs.

Q: I have never billed for ultrasound studies and don't know the CPT or ICD9 codes.  Can you help?

A: Superbills with CPT and ICD9 codes is a part of our complete customer package that we provide our clients with to help them with billing.

Q: How long do ultrasound studies typically last and how much room is required?

A: Each ultrasound test usually lasts between 30 and 75 minutes depending on patient and the type of study being performed.  Technically difficult studies may take longer.  Sonographers will inform your staff about the amount of time required for each study before patients are scheduled. 

Ultrasound equipment used by our sonographers is compact and does not require extra space.  A typical exam room with an examination table is sufficient to complete a study.  Rooms without windows or with limited light are preferred.

Q: What do I need to provide to complete the exams?

A: Patients.  Our sonographers arrive at the site with everything necessary to complete the studies: ultrasound machine, capes, gowns, gel, electrodes, CDs, non-latex exam gloves, and paper products.

Q: Do I have immediate access to the interpreting physician?

A: Yes.  Interpreting physicians can be reached at any time for consultation.  Interpreting physicians are notified of STAT cases immediately.

Q: What happens after the studies are completed?

A: Once a sonographer completes all scheduled cases he/she forwards the studies to the interpreting physician.  The physician then reads the studies and prepares a report.  It takes between 24 and 72 hours for a final report to reach the ordering physician.  STAT cases are interpreted on the same day.

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