| Categories: MRI Accreditation | Author: Resonant Healthcare Imaging Solutions | 0
The MRI accreditation process requires facilities to fulfill complex requirements and meet strict deadlines, so it probably comes as no surprise that some facilities fail to receive MRI accreditation on their first attempt. By understanding the most common reasons for MRI accreditation failure, your facility can avoid potential problems while saving time and money. The most common reasons for MRI accreditation failure are:
According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), the most common cause of MRI accreditation failure is “clinical image deficiencies or a combination of clinical and phantom image deficiencies.”
Phantom and / or clinical images must meet strict requirements for resolution and slice thickness, so your facility should be sure to carefully review the image submission guidelines from the accreditation organization before you submit your application. If your facility is using different protocols, it is best to find out before you apply so you have ample time to work with your physics expert to change them. Asking your physics expert or MRI accreditation consultant / coordinator to review your images prior to submission is also a good idea.
If your facility receives a failure or deficiency notice for problems with your images, you have the option to appeal. If you decide to appeal, you must resend original images for all submitted examinations that did not pass and a letter describing the reason for your appeal within a specific timeframe. The images will be sent to an arbitrator who did not participate in your facility’s initial review, and the arbitrator’s decision will be final. Your facility will not be able to submit new images in conjunction with the appeal.
If you decide to reapply for areas that were marked as deficient, you can submit new images. However, your facility likely will be required to pay a reapplication fee.
Because each modality has different requirements, selecting images for submission is a complex task that should not fall on the shoulders of only one person. Although your facility’s supervising physician in a specific modality may be the person selecting the images, you should have your MRI accreditation consultant / coordinator or another qualified physician review the images to make sure they satisfy all MRI accreditation requirements.
If your facility receives a failure notice for selecting and submitting the wrong images, your facility has the option to appeal the decision or reapply. If your facility decides to appeal, only original images can be included. You will not be able to submit new images. If you decide to reapply, you can submit new images, but you may be required to pay a reapplication fee.
Depending on the modality’s requirements, your facility may be required to send case studies that include sequences of images and final reports. Although your facility’s supervising physician in the specific modality likely will select the cases, you should ask another physician or your MRI accreditation consultant / coordinator to review your images and corresponding documentation prior to submission to make sure that it meets all requirements.
If your facility receives a failure notice because it did not submit all required images or sufficient information, your facility has the option to appeal the decision and submit original images. However, your facility also may be able to submit some sequences from the original exam, even though they were not included with the original application. If your facility receives a rejection for this reason, it is a good idea to contact the accreditation organization to get specific guidance on how you should proceed.
An MRI accreditation rejection or deficiency can waste time and money, so it is important to do everything you can to prevent errors and omissions, especially when it comes to submitted images. An MRI accreditation consultant / coordinator can help your facility achieve MRI accreditation success by providing guidance, knowledge, and advice on MRI accreditation images, case studies, and protocols. Call 877.938.5665 or contact us today to speak with a Resonant MRI consultation expert.
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