Pennsylvania

HGS ADMINISTRATORS

“The accuracy of noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of the technologist and physician performing and interpreting the study. Consequently, the physician performing and/or interpreting the study must be capable of demonstrating documented training and experience and maintain documentation for postpayment audit. A vascular diagnostic study may be personally performed by a physician or a technologist. All noninvasive vascular diagnostic studies performed by a technologist must be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, a technologist who has demonstrated competency by being credentialed in vascular technology, or, such studies must be performed in a facility accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL) or the Non-Invasive Vascular Ultrasound Accreditation of the American College of Radiology. Examples of appropriate certification include the Registered Vascular Technologist (RVT) credential and the Registered Cardiovascular Technologist (RCVT) credential in Vascular Technology. Direct supervision requires the credentailed individuals' presence in the facility and immediate availability to the technologist performing the study.”

Western Pennsylvania

HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD

PRIVILEGING GUIDELINES SPECIFIC TO PERIPHERAL VASCULAR (PV) ULTRASOUND

• PV Ultrasound must be performed by physicians credentialed by Highmark and/or Keystone Health Plan West in diagnostic radiology, vascular surgery, cardiology or neurology.

• PV Ultrasound providers must employ a sonographer certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or ARRT.

• PV Ultrasound systems must have Color Flow Doppler capability.

• PV Ultrasound providers must achieve accreditation by ICAVL (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories) or the ACR (American College of Radiology) within two years of Provisional acceptance in the Privileging Program. [NOTE: Practice must submit evidence of application for accreditation within 3 months of receipt of the letter indicating Provisional acceptance.]