Diagnostic imaging accreditation

Quality in Practice (QIP) is the leading provider of diagnostic imaging accreditation services in Australia. We focus on customer service excellence and have streamlined the accreditation process to ensure your pathway to accreditation is worry-free, uncomplicated and successful.

QIP has been appointed by the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) as an approved accreditor for Stage II of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) which commenced on 1 July 2010.

About the Stage II Scheme

• Background
• Is your practice affected?
• Pathways to Accreditation
• Key accreditation dates
• Benefits of choosing QIP
• Accreditation Fees
• Standards
• Contact us
• Request accreditation / Transfer to QIP
• Materials

Background

The Department of Health and Ageing introduced mandatory accreditation in 2008 for diagnostic imaging practices who wish to claim Medicare rebates for their patients. The Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme has been introduced in two stages. Radiology services were accredited under Stage I which concluded on 30 June 2010. Stage II of the Scheme commenced on 1 July 2010 which applies to practices providing non-radiology services including: cardiac ultrasound and angiography; obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound; and nuclear medicine imaging services.

Is your practice affected?

From 1 July 2010 any practice providing diagnostic imaging services must be accredited under Stage II of the Scheme in order for benefits to be applicable under Medicare. Practices which are not accredited cannot provide Medicare funded diagnostic imaging services, and will need to inform patients that they cannot claim a Medicare benefit for the service and the reason why.

The services which need to be accredited are in the Diagnostic Imaging Services Table (DIST) under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

If you are unsure whether your practice needs to be accredited under Stage II of the Scheme, call QIP on 1300 888 329.

Pathways to Accreditation

Depending on the circumstances of your practice, your pathway to accreditation will vary. Identify below which circumstance applies to your practice, then follow the link for more information.

1. My practice is currently accredited under the Stage I Scheme. More info. Transfer now.
2. My practice holds deemed accreditation under the Stage II Scheme. More info. Transfer now.
3. My practice is applying for diagnostic imaging accreditation for the first time. More info. Apply.
4. My practice was previously accredited under Stage I or II and now wishes to re-establish Medicare eligibility. More info.
5. My practice is currently accredited under the Medical Imaging Accreditation Program (MIAP). More info.

Key Accreditation Dates

If you are currently accredited under Stage II of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme, you must achieve accreditation against the new Practice Accreditation Standards before your current accreditation expires.

The key accreditation dates are:

30 June 2011: Due date for practices with deemed accreditation to be accredited against the Entry Level or Full Suite of Standards. More info.

30 June 2012: Due date for Stage I accredited practices to be accredited against the Full Suite of Standards. More info.

Benefits of choosing QIP

Choosing to accredit with QIP will ensure your practice's pathway to accreditation is worry-free, uncomplicated and successful.

Your practice will benefit from:

• A dedicated customer service consultant who will provide your practice with ongoing guidance and support throughout the accreditation process
• Online self-assessment through AccreditationPro, QIP's paperless accreditation tool
• A competitive accreditation fee which is payable only once during your accreditation period
• Support from highly trained consultants who are qualified as Certified Auditors to audit quality systems
• Access to templates and resources to help your practice through accreditation
• Key accreditation information through Quality Connexion, QIP's e-newsletter
• Accreditation certificates, stickers, and window decals for display after achieving accreditation
• Discounts for practices with three or more sites.

Accreditation Fees

QIP's accreditation fees are all inclusive, simple to understand and payable only once during the relevant accreditation period. QIP does not charge any membership, registration or annual fees. Fees are payable only after your practice has submitted its self-assessment.

If you are an AGPAL accredited General Practice, QIP will offer your practice considerable savings for diagnostic imaging accreditation. Contact us on 1300 888 329 to receive the lower rates.

Click here for the QIP Fee Schedule for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation 2010-2011.

Standards

All practices applying for accreditation will be assessed against DoHA's Practice Accreditation Standards 2nd edition. These consist of three Entry Level standards (only applicable to new practices or those with deemed accreditation) and 15 Full Suite standards. Click here to view the Practice Accreditation Standards.

Contact us

For more information, contact the friendly QIP team on 1300 888 329 or email us at info@qip.com.au.

We can make accreditation worry-free and uncomplicated for your practice.

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