NOTE: This article has been modified from its original version which had appeared in the April and June 2007 issues. In light of the latest developments from UnitedHealthcare, portions of the article have been slightly reworded for clarity. -Ed.

In January, UnitedHealth Group (UnitedHealthcare) released an official announcement. Effective March 1, 2008, UnitedHealthcare will require all participating, freestanding imaging facilities and physician offices that use a CMS 1500 claim form and are performing Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Cardiology, PET, CT, CTA, MRI, and MRA outpatient imaging studies to apply for accreditation as a condition for reimbursement. A letter and official press release were then sent by UnitedHealthcare to its member facilities, encouraging them to begin the application process for accreditation as soon as possible.

As a leading healthcare insurer working with patients and healthcare providers throughout the country, UnitedHealthcare firmly believes in supporting and promoting uniform national standards for quality and patient safety. In the letter to its member facilities, UnitedHealthcare discusses the reasoning behind the initiative. "Given the specialized physician experience and advanced technology required in these procedures, it is important that consumers receive services from facilities whose equipment, technologists, and physicians are in compliance with established accreditation performance standards for these procedures." Accordingly, UnitedHealthcare recognizes the value of the ICAEL accreditation process, and has designated it as a means of achieving this goal.

The new initiative for providers of diagnostic imaging services was created and implemented by UnitedHealth Group. The collaborative efforts of both the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission and the American College of Radiology helped assist UnitedHealth Group in determining the specific guidelines for the new initiative. "Diagnostic imaging, when performed in high-quality and safe centers, is critical to optimal medical care outcomes," said Reed V. Tuckson, MD, UnitedHealth Group Executive Vice President and Chief of Medical Affairs, in the recent press release. "We recognize and respect the accreditation expertise of the ACR and the IAC, and we are convinced that our customers deserve to receive care from accredited facilities. As such, we take this opportunity to strongly encourage all UnitedHealthcare participating imaging physicians to immediately take the steps necessary to become accredited. It's the right thing to do."

In response to the announcement, the staff of the ICAEL stands ready to work with laboratories affected by the new UnitedHealthcare initiative, fully committed to assist labs in earning their accreditation by the March 1, 2008 deadline. ICAEL staff members include both clinical and administrative, highly-trained professionals who are ready to respond to questions related to the accreditation process.

"Through a consistent and objective process of evaluation, constructive criticism, feedback and re-evaluation, it is the IAC's intention that the quality of the imaging facilities accredited [noninvasive vascular, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance (MR), and computed tomography (CT)] will be substantially enhanced and become more uniform," remarked Sandra L. Katanick, CEO of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission. "We look forward to working with the UnitedHealthcare providers to help them earn accreditation and thus improve the quality of care they are providing."

PLEASE NOTE: UnitedHealthcare has stated that freestanding imaging sites and/or provider clinics with imaging equipment who have not received accreditation by March 1, 2008, but have submitted their application to the ICAEL by March 1, 2008, will be in a pending status and will be considered in compliance with the accreditation program.

Participating imaging facilities under UnitedHealthcare are encouraged to begin the accreditation process as soon as possible. The length of time needed to complete the application is dependent upon a variety of factors, such as the laboratory's preparedness in relation to the ICAEL Standards and the amount of time the lab can dedicate to completing the application. To get started, first review the ICAEL Standards applicable to the testing areas performed by your laboratory. The Standards are available as a free download on the ICAEL website, at www.icael.org/icael/apply/standards.htm. Next, you will need to order the Accreditation Materials, which include the Application CD and a copy of the ICAEL Standards. To place your order, simply go to www.icael.org/icael/apply/ordermaterials.htm, follow the instructions and fill out the form.

Have Questions About ICAEL Accreditation?

For help and information regarding the ICAEL accreditation process, laboratories are encouraged to visit the website at www.icael.org, or contact the ICAEL staff at 800-838-2110 or via email using the online staff directory.

Have Questions About UnitedHealthcare?

Laboratories seeking specific information about the UnitedHealthcare accreditation initiative should contact UnitedHealthcare at 800-637-5792 or email radiology@customerelation.com.

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