ABSTRACT
From the radiology perspective, the patient has to be scheduled, registered, insurance veriŽed, documentation created, computer system updated, and X-ray or other diagnostic test performed. Outpatients are referred by their general practitioner or a specialist to either an outpatient radiology clinic or a radiology department within a hospital. Some radiology tests require pre-certiŽcation that may occur over the phone. X-rays (or tests), whether Žlm or digital (PACS), may undergo a preliminary review by a physician if the radiologist is not available and are ultimately read and dictated by a radiologist. The process is generally as follows:
• Appointment made (prior to or at site) • Prior to arrival ensure insurance coverage, if test
pre-scheduled • Arrive in department • Sign in department and present the physician order
unless it had been faxed or sent via another method • Wait • Insurance veriŽcation, co-pay may be collected and
paperwork completed for registration • Wait • Called back and change into gown • Test performed • Change out of gown • Check back with physician for results
Inpatient and ED patients follow similar processes. An order is written by the physician or the order is driven by physician protocols in the ED. The oors or ED then calls transport (which is centralized) to come and get the patient. The patient waits until transport shows up or, in some cases, nurses may transport the patient to the radiology department, depending on the patient’s need. Note: all these delays add to overall length of stay (LOS).
