Regence’s Radiology Quality Initiative has been designed to promote the use of advanced diagnostic imaging services based on widely accepted clinical judgment. Regence has partnered with American Imaging Management (AIM_®) to administer the program.

Beginning June 1, 2009:

• Order identification (ID) numbers must be obtained by ordering or referring non-radiological physicians or other health care professionals before scheduling elective outpatient diagnostic imaging services.
• Radiology providers and free-standing imaging centers should confirm that an order ID number has been obtained prior to service delivery.

Order ID numbers must be obtained for the following advanced diagnostic imaging services:

• Nuclear Cardiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) studies
• Computerized Tomography Angiography (CTA)
• Outpatient elective Computerized Tomography (CT)

Order ID numbers are not required for:

• 23-hour observation
• Emergency room visits
• Inpatient hospitalization
• Outpatient surgeries (hospital or freestanding surgery centers)

A complete list of the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) codes included in this program is available on the ProviderPortal_SM Web site.

Obtaining an order ID number (after registering with AIM)

• Order services online
• Or phone 1 (877) 291-0509
• Order Entry Tip Sheet (PDF)

Goals of the program

• Promoting the selection of the most clinically appropriate diagnostic imaging services based on a patient’s clinical needs
• Encouraging standardization of medical practice patterns and reducing variation in clinical evaluation through provider education and collaboration
• Curtailing the performance of inappropriate advanced diagnostic imaging studies
• Advocating bio-safety issues, including reduction of unnecessary radiation exposure
• Enhancing quality of health care for diagnostic imaging studies using evidence-based medicine and outcomes research from numerous resources

Learn more about the Radiology Quality Initiative:

• View the presentation »
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) »

For questions about the Radiology Quality Initiative, please contact your provider relations representative.

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