What is an IDTF?

42 CFR 410.33 states that an Independent Diagnostic Testing Facility (IDTF) may be a fixed location, a mobile entity, or an individual nonphysician practitioner. It is independent of a physician's office or hospital; however, these rules apply when an IDTF furnishes diagnostic procedures in a physician's office. Furthermore, the Medicare Program Integrity Manual Chapter 10 § 5.1 notes that if a substantial portion of a physician or group practice of physicians business involves the performance of diagnostic tests, the diagnostic testing services may be a sufficiently separate business to warrant enrollment as an IDTF (it is considered independent for purposes of enrollment). In that case, the physician or group can continue to be enrolled as a physician or a group practice of physicians, but must also enroll as an IDTF. The physician or group can bill for professional fees and the diagnostic tests they perform on their patients using their billing number. However, the practice must bill as an IDTF for diagnostic tests furnished to Medicare beneficiaries who are not patients of the practice. The carrier should advise the entity (physician or group practice) how to bill for physician office tests versus IDTF tests and advise the claims personnel of the dual enrollment.

Credentials

Non-physician personnel must demonstrate basic qualifications to perform the tests and have training and proficiency as demonstrated by licensure or certification by an appropriate state health or education department. For this reason, all SBT Diagnostic Centers Technologists must successfully complete the minimum prerequisites to sit for and /or pass the registry examinations offered through the ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) to become Registered Ultrasound Technologists.

Ordering of Diagnostic Tests

All procedures performed by the IDTF must be specifically ordered in writing by the physician who is treating the beneficiary for a specific medical problem and who uses the test results in the management of the beneficiary's specific medical problem. The written order must specify the diagnosis or basis for testing, tests ordered, and the name and signature of the ordering physician.

CMS Site Visits

To ensure quality and accuracy of information submitted to CMS, facility site visits are performed on an unannounced basis. A site inspector from CMS will verify the existence of the facility, and inspect the testing equipment and various ultrasounds being performed.

Becoming an Official IDTF

As a company committed to the highest standards and full compliance with all rules and regulations related to our field, SBT Diagnostic Centers is extremely proud to have achieved this status. In many respects, the standards required of an IDTF far exceed those of other provider types. By becoming an IDTF is very much in keeping with SBT Diagnostic Centers desire to not only meet generally accepted standards, but to exceed them.