VSS DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING INVOICING SCHEDULE

Purpose

To define the invoicing pattern for diagnostic imaging activities at VSS.  This will include

  • Radiology
  • Ultrasound
  • Computed tomography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Fluoroscopy

Principles

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  • Diagnostic imaging invoicing occurs when studies are performed but only one charge is applied for each day for each modality.  Follow up studies on the same day do not require additional invoicing.  If various items could be invoiced, then the item of the highest financial value should be invoiced
  • External opinions on diagnostic imaging studies are to be invoiced according to the invoicing structure of the relevant provider.  These must be invoiced by the time of patient discharge.
  • This document only refers to the imaging studies, other items (e.g. anaesthesia etc) should be invoiced according to other schedules
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Products

Radiology First assessment

  • Invoiced when a patient has the first radiographic series taken for a new presenting problem

Radiology Subsequent assessment

  • Invoiced when a subsequent study is taken for the same presenting problem in the same patient on a subsequent day

Radiology Myelography/Urography

  • Invoiced when a contrast study e.g. myelography or urography is performed
  • Any contrast agents used should be invoiced separately

Radiograph single film

  • Invoiced when a single radiograph is required for documentation for example feeding tube placement

Ultrasound First Study

  • Invoiced when a patient has the first ultrasound study for a new presenting problem (superseded ultrasound/abdomen, /miscellaneous

Ultrasound Re assessment

  • Invoiced when a subsequent study is taken for the same presenting problem in the same patient on a subsequent day (supersedes ultrasound /recheck and /abdomen initial re assessment) and more than one organ is assessed.

Ultrasound single organ

  • Invoiced when a clinician sees a case in an urgent situation but a subsequent diagnostic ultrasound from a colleague will be required and the diagnostic ultrasound relied upon for definitive diagnosis.  An example would be an AFast or TFast type ultrasound
  • Ultrasound for ongoing follow up of a single organ for example a gall bladder

Ultrasound for cystocentesis only is included in time assessment for urinalysis laboratory fee

CT scan including contrast

  • CT scan invoiced when a patient has the first CT series taken for a new presenting problem and a contrast agent is administered.
  • The contrast agent should be invoiced separately
  • If myelography or another contrast study is performed, then the radiography/myelography/urography invoice item should be invoiced.

CT scan without contrast

  • CT scan invoiced when a patients has the first CT series taken for a new presenting problem and no contrast agent is administered
  • If myelography or another contrast study is performed, then the radiography/myelography/urography invoice item should be invoiced.

CT scan repeat

  • CT scan invoiced when a patient has a CT scan when a subsequent study is performed for the same presenting problem in the same patient
  • If a contrast agent is administered, then it should be invoiced separately
  • If myelography or another contrast study is performed, then the radiography/myelography/urography invoice item should be invoiced.
  • 50% of full price

Fluoroscopy equipment fee

  • Invoice this when fluoroscopy is used to perform a diagnostic procedure or as an intra operative aid

Fluoroscopy - Swallow Study - professional fee time for performing swallow study

  • Invoice when a swallow study is performed
  • Invoice contrast agent separately

MRI first region

  • Invoiced for the first body region when using the MRI at VSS Underwood
  • Invoice contrast agent separately if used

MRI study additional region (per region)

  • Invoice for additional body regions when using the MRI at VSS Underwood

MRI external service

  • Use relevant sales template for week day or weekend use
  • Include
    • MRI fee (UQ MRI)
    • Professional staff item (UQ MRI professional
    • Anaesthesia fee
  • Medications or contrast agents to be invoiced separately
  • External provider interpretation fee to be invoiced separately

Effective date - 13 February 2023