The Health Insurance Act 1973 and the Health Insurance (Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation) Instrument 2020 provides the legislative framework for the introduction and operation of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme for diagnostic imaging practices providing diagnostic imaging services under Medicare.
Diagnostic Imaging
The Commission is reviewing the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards to minimise the risk of harm and improve the care of patients.
We are also preparing a diagnostic imaging accreditation model feasibility report.
Overview
- Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards
The Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards provide a safety and quality framework for diagnostic imaging practices.
- Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme
The Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme supports the consistent assessment of diagnostic imaging practices to the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards.
Diagnostic imaging includes the following modalities:
- Ultrasound
- Computed tomography
- Diagnostic radiology
- X-ray
- mammography
- angiography
- fluoroscopy
- orthopantomography
- Nuclear medicine
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Diagnostic Imaging Safety and Quality Literature Review
The Commission engaged the Allied Health and Human Performance Unit at the University of South Australia to conduct a literature review to identify patient safety and quality care risks relevant to diagnostic imaging and interventions to minimise patient safety and quality risks in this sector.
Common patient safety issues identified include:
- communication
- infection control
- radiation safety
- contrast administration
- diagnostic error
- magnetic resonance imaging safety issues.
The interventions to minimise patient safety and quality risks involve multi-faceted strategies which address individual, situational, environmental, organisational, cultural and communication factors.
Information in the literature review will be used to support the review of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards.
Diagnostic Imaging Safety and Quality Consultation
Consultation on Diagnostic Imaging Safety and Quality is now closed. The Commission is now reviewing the information received during the consultation process. This information will be used to finalise the report.
Further information
If you have any questions relating to this consultation process, please contact the Commission’s Safety and Quality Advice Centre via AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au. If you would like to speak to someone, please provide a contact telephone number.
Contact us
For questions and feedback on the Commission’s Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme please contact Safety and Quality Advice Centre or phone 1800 304 056.