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Guidelines when ordering all exams

According to CMS guidelines, the following information must be written on any scripts sent to our center:

  • Patient name
  • Date script was written (if date is missing, we will call the office to verify the proper date)
  • CPT code or exact exam physician ordered
  • ICD9 code or diagnosis (ICD9 code cheat sheet can be found above, and note that they are not necessary for routine exams, such as mammograms and bone density scans)
  • Physician signature on a designated signature line

We can only accept scripts from physicians or PAs and ARNPs. We cannot accept scripts with no signature at all, or stamped signatures. We do, however, accept electronic signatures.

Guidelines for ordering mammograms

Several guidelines must be followed when ordering mammograms. They are separated as follows between screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms:

Screening mammogram

A screening mammogram is performed on a patient having a yearly or first time mammogram. The patient must be asymptomatic and cannot have implants or a history of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram is performed on a patient with any of the following:

  • Implants
  • Personal history of breast cancer
  • Have previously only had unilateral exams (only one breast)
  • Requires additional screening after previous results proved inconclusive
  • Findings on a screening exam that required a six month return for follow-up images
  • Symptoms including:
    • Lump/mass
    • Dimpling
    • Nipple inversion or discharge
    • Skin changes
    • Enlarged, red, hot or sore breast tissue
    • Lumpy or ropelike textural changes in the breast

All diagnostic mammography orders must include a diagnosis. The registration staff will attempt to obtain a revised order from the physician’s office if necessary. If after 30 minutes they are unable to have the order revised, the patient will be rescheduled until the correct order is received.

Exams requiring contrast

Patients over 55 years old must have blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine lab results drawn within seven days of the exam. If the patient is diabetic, they should not take antidiabetic medication for 48 hours after contrast has been injected. Patients should be instructed to contact their personal physician regarding lab studies prior to resuming diabetic medication.

In most cases, these labs can be done at Osceola Imaging Center the same day as their appointment. Please make sure the patient brings an order for BUN and creatinine lab work along with their exam order.