Question:
Our hospital is having difficulty in maintaining a Radiology Medical Director. They are under the impression that perhaps it is not explicitly required.
Based on my read, there has to be a supervising radiologist whether full time, part time or consulting. Has anything changed regarding this?
Answer:
You are correct, there is nothing new with this requirement, but someone is required to supervise radiologic services. Specifically, The Joint Commission requires that, “A full-time, part-time, or consulting radiologist who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy qualified by education and experience in radiology supervises ionizing radiology services. “
There is flexibility on who can fill this role. For example, you could contract with a consultant to fill this task.
Patton Healthcare- we enjoy and value your newsletters and Q&As/blogs. I wondered if it might be more accurate and inclusive to point to CMS requirements – TJC could be included – when the basis for a requirement is CMS COPs. I’m referring specifically to the Radiology Medical Director Q&A but there may be others that are similar. Thank you for your consideration and thank you for your support of our hospital accreditation programs!
Hi Malana – That is a good suggestion particularly with issues where CMS has more published details, like the radiology medical director. Thank you for your suggestion.
Jen Cowel