ACR launches online accreditation programs

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has launched an online nuclear medicine and PET accreditation application program to potentially reduce the time for facilities to become accredited.

The nuclear medicine and PET accreditation programs allows providers to apply online via the new “ACRedit” system, said the ACR. In addition, ACR said its new program does not require a fee to access the application or an annual fee.

Effective Jan. 1, 2012, all providers who bill for PET, MRI, CT and nuclear medicine under part B of the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule must be accredited to receive technical component reimbursement from Medicare, according to the college. 

The ACR is recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a medical imaging accrediting body and has accredited more than 20,000 facilities in the U.S.

“The most notable benefit to the new online system is the speed: the process has enabled accreditation approval time to be cut in half, meaning facilities can expect a final report in less than three months from the time they submit their images for review,” said Harvey L. Neiman, MD, CEO of ACR.

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