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)
Consultation now open
The Commission is seeking feedback on:
- Safety and quality issues faced by patients accessing diagnostic imaging services
- Areas of variation in diagnostic imaging services
- Safety and quality data to monitor diagnostic imaging
- A model of accreditation
Consultation is open until Sunday, 24 July 2022. You can provide feedback in three ways:
- Complete one of the following online surveys:
- Provide a written submission
- Participate in an online consultation forum.
Submissions
Individuals and organisations can send a written submission to diagnosticimaging@safetyandquality.gov.au. The submissions can address none, some or all of the following questions about diagnostic imaging:
- What are the safety and quality issues faced by patients?
- What would safe and high-quality care look like for patients?
- What strategies/activities would improve the quality of care patients receive?
- What unwarranted variation is seen in diagnostic imaging?
- What improvements will address unwarranted variation?
- What data should be collected routinely to monitor patient safety and care?
- The current accreditation model involves a desktop audit every four years. How can this accreditation model be enhanced to assess compliance with the standards?
Consultation forums
The Commission is running six online forums that run for approximately 1.5 hours. You can join via videoconference or telephone.
To attend, please select a session that suits you and register your attendance.
- 11 July 2022 – 1:00pm AEST
- 14 July 2022 – 1:00pm AEST
- 19 July 2022 – 1:00pm AEST
Survey responses and submissions
Survey responses and submissions received may be published. For submissions, this can include the names of individuals and organisations. Other personal information will be de-identified, such as email addresses and phone numbers. If you would like your submission to remain confidential, please advise the Commission.
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.
Our news
December 2021
New advisories:
- Advisory DI21/03: Requirements for comparison with national diagnostic reference levels
- Advisory DI21/04: Disinfection requirements for reusable semi critical medical devices - Standard 1.6: Health-care Associated Infection
- Advisory DI21/05: Clarification of consent requirements
- Advisory DI21/06: Standard 1.5: Equipment Servicing - Clarification of the required evidence for an equipment service provider’s qualifications and licences
- Advisory DI21/07: Standard 3.2: Optimised Radiation Technique Charts - evidence requirements
- Advisory DI21/08: Standard 2.4: Medication management - For imaging associated with surgical and interventional procedures
September 2021
New fact sheet:
August 2021
The Australian Commission of Safety and Quality in Health Care commenced administration of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme on 1 July 2021.
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.