Radiology and Oncology

Advances in Imaging

Section 135(a) of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) amended section 1834(e) of the Social Security Act .MIPPA specifically defines advanced diagnostic imaging procedures as including diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Medical Sonography, Body Imaging, Molecular imaging,  computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine body imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET). The law also authorizes the Secretary to specify other diagnostic imaging services in consultation with physician specialty organizations and other stakeholders.

MIPPA expressly excludes from the accreditation requirement x-ray, ultrasound, Body Imaging, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and fluoroscopy procedures. The law also excludes from the CMS accreditation requirement diagnostic and screening mammography which are subject to quality oversight by the Food and Drug Administration under the Mammography Quality Standards Act.