What kind of notice must be given to patients who need imaging services (MRI,CT,PET)?
The 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule revises the existing Stark Law exception for in-office ancillary services. The requirement for notice applies to the following services: MRI, CT and PET scans. The new rule requires physicians to provide a written notice to Medicare and Medicaid patients, at the time of the referral, that the patient may obtain the services from suppliers other than the physician or that physician’s practice. The rules are effective January 1, 2011. Notice Requirements: • The notice must provide at least five other suppliers within a 25 mile radius of the physician’s office, so long as there are at least five such providers. If there are not five providers, the physician must list all of the suppliers within the 25 mile radius. • The notice should be written in a manner sufficient to be reasonably understood by all patients and should include for each supplier on the list, at a minimum, the supplier’s name, address and telephone number. • Provision of a written
