Due to changes in regulations, any practices offering diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology services must achieve Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS) certification. This ensures that you are eligible for Medicare benefits. Here’s what you need to know.
Changes to Regulations
New regulations regarding capital sensitivity arrangements came into effect in May 2020. These require practices to be registered for a Location Specific Provider Number (LSPN) and be accredited for diagnostic imaging services.
Applicability to Radiation Oncology Services
This is only applicable if you are offering diagnostic imaging services. If you only supply radiation oncology services at your practice, there’s no need for DIAS accreditation.
Applicability to Practice Sites and Mobile Equipment
Mobile and practice sites will need to achieve DIAS certification if they are providing diagnostic imaging services. You will need a base location for the mobile diagnostic imaging equipment when it is not in use or the location of the site where you perform the imaging services.
How to Achieve DIAS Accreditation as a Radiation Oncology Services Provider
Start by registering for a Location Specific Practice Number (LSPN). If one has been previously assigned, check that it is fully updated with the correct details. Once these forms are processed, an LSPN will be allocated to your practice and your equipment will be registered.
Now you can start the process of meeting the standards required to achieve DIAS certification. This is a fairly intensive process that encompasses all areas of your practice, from personnel and patient communication to patient care, best practices, equipment and technology, radiation safety protocols and revenue.
If you have a new practice getting accreditation for the first time, you can choose to undergo partial accreditation rather than full accreditation. Here, you need to achieve 3 standards and are given an additional 2 years to achieve the full suite of standards. If you are an established practice, then you will need to meet all 15 accreditation standards.
Once you have met the necessary standards for DIAS certification, your practice will go into an ongoing or maintenance phase. This means that standards must be maintained for your accreditation to remain valid. Your practice will also have to reapply for DIAS certification every 4 years.
Achieve DIAS Accreditation the Simple, Efficient, and Affordable Way
The administrative burden of applying for, achieving, and maintaining DIAS certification is a challenge for most practices, which is where our team comes in. Excelsior Accreditation has developed a professional service to manage all aspects of the accreditation process.
We work with all qualifying practices requiring mandatory DIAS accreditation, including mobile and location-based practices offering diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology services. We provide 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. Contact us today for more information or a free consultation.
