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NEWS AND LINKS
For hospitals, the most
dramatic reimbursement reduction in the 2005 OPPS was to the
special physics consult code (CPT 77370). Take a look at
the following articles about this
code.
Advance for
Imaging and Oncology Administrators - ACRO Articles
Ups
and Downs, Ins and Outs
(the Changes in APC
classification section)
ACCC - Oncology Issues, May/June
2005
A
Radiation Outlook for Hospital-Based Radiation
Programs
(must login to view online, see pg. 3 of
Issues/Billing and Coding)
TMA Notes:
The physics section
in the ROPE database replaces the weekly paper form which
identifies the work performed for that patient during the
weekly chart check and provides the backup documentation
needed in case of an audit. The special medical physics
consultation must be documented
separately.
If your facility is replacing an existing
accelerator or adding a new one, you might be interested in
the following vendors and consultants that offer accelerated
clinical services.
AMPS
Provide
IMRT implementation, TG 53/51 implementation, IMRT beam data
collection and quality audit
D3
Services
Provide assistance with IMRT implementation
and ongoing program support, including remote treatment
planning and consultation
TMA Technology
Physics Services
Physics services such as
acceptance and commissioning offered for all major linear
accelerator manufacturers and 3-D TPS beam data acquisitions
and modeling for Phillips, Varian and CMS treatment planning
systems
Velocity
Physics Services
Momentum
Physics Support Services
A partnership between
ARC and Siemens offering services such as commissioning, IMRT
training, dose calibration and beam modeling for Siemens
Oncology customers
QUALITY ASSURANCE
SURVEY
If you haven't already
completed the anonymous online QA survey, please go to, http://www.tmatech.com/survey/Survey.asp?SurveyId=1,
and let your voice be heard. Survey results will be
presented at the 2005 SROA Annual Meeting in
Denver.
ROPE
DATABASE
Are you looking for a way
to start benchmarking clinical processes in your
department? Let us show you how our quality
assurance database, the ROPE, can help you document and report
on compliance issues as well as standards recommended by
accrediting organizations. Read more about the ROPE, http://www.tmatech.com/rope.asp.
Call or e-mail today to setup a 15 minute online
demonstration!
TMAT WEB
PORTAL
Register on the TMAT Web
Portal, http://www.tmatech.com/service/register.asp.
By subscribing you have access to over 200 policies,
procedures and forms. Policies and forms are
updated according to the latest changes and requirements of
accrediting organizations.
Please forward this e-mail to any of your friends and
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Let us carry the load for
you!
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