Since 2010, any practice providing diagnostic imaging services has been required to get a Location Specific Practice Number (LSPN) and accreditation through the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) for the practice to maintain eligibility to Medicare benefits. In this article, we’re covering all the basics of this necessary administrative process, as well as ways to streamline it.
#1 - What Modalities are Included in DIAS?
DIAS applies to a wide range of diagnostic imaging technology, including:
- Ultrasound
- Cardiac ultrasound
- Obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound
- Angiography
- Cardiac angiography
- Orthopantomography
- X-ray
- Computed tomography
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging
#2 - What Areas of the Practice are Included in the DIAS Accreditation Process?
The process is comprehensive, encompassing all areas of the business, including:
- Client communication
- Personnel
- Revenue
- Patient care
- Best practices
- Equipment and technology
- Organisational clarity and radiation safety protocols
#3 - What are the Aims of DIAS?
DIAS accreditation is not a quick and simple process, but it is a necessary one. Developed by the Department of Health and Ageing, the accreditation is designed to ensure that all practices using diagnostic imaging technology meet a set of established safety and quality standards. As always, this is to set the same high standard for quality of care and the safety of patients, regardless of where the practice is located.
#4 - What are the Benefits to My Practice?
Patients are not the only ones set to benefit from DIAS accreditation processes – practices do too. These benefits include:
- Maintaining access to Medicare rebates
- Improvement of practice processes
- Improvement of practice informational resources
- Streamlined patient processing and medication management
- Improved infection controls
- Development of a patient-centric business
- Reduced error rates
- Improved client relationship
- Improved practice reputation
- Development of an edge over non-accredited practices
#5 - Is Accreditation Possible During COVID-19?
Yes. Measures are in place to ensure diagnostic imaging practices can still provide Medicare-funded services through the pandemic.
#6 - What are the Different Levels of DIAS Accreditation?
Under DIAS, there are 15 accreditation standards. Practices can choose to become accredited in several different ways to achieve:
- Full accreditation – This is achieved by meeting all 15 accreditation standards, known as full-suite accreditation.
- Partial accreditation – In this option, a practice can become accredited against some of the standards – those which have been categorised as entry-level standards. This option is open to practices who are getting accreditation for the first time, and these practices have to then achieve full accreditation in the next 2 years.
#7 - Is this a Once-Off Process?
No. Once full DIAS accreditation is granted, a practice enters an accreditation maintenance program. Every 4 years, the practice will have to go through the process again in order to keep the accreditation current. This is because the standards will evolve over time as technology, processes and best practices change.
#8 - What is the Best Way to Achieve DIAS Accreditation?
Medical professionals are pressed for time as it is, and while many see the benefits of the DIAS accreditation process, the administrative burden is a challenge. As a result, Excelsior Accreditation has developed a professional service to manage the accreditation process. Available to all qualifying practices requiring mandatory DIAS accreditation, our team offers an end-to-end service for both partial and full DIAS accreditation as well as ongoing maintenance to keep your practice compliant and aligned with the scheme to ensure efficient, hassle-free renewal every 4 years.
