IDTF Diagnostic Tests With Level of Supervision and Technician Qualification Requirements Table
In an effort to assist providers in determining the requirements of supervising physicians and technologists, a current list of procedure codes performed in IDTFs is now available along with the levels of supervision required for each test and the qualification for technicians involved in the performance of specific diagnostic tests.
Column 1
Lists procedure codes for diagnostic tests that may be performed in an IDTF. The listing of a procedure code does not guarantee that Medicare will reimburse the service. All services are subject to Medicare medical necessity and coverage policies, including National Coverage Decisions, Local Coverage Decisions, statutory exclusions and instructions in interpretive manuals.
Column 2
Lists modifier, if applicable, that the service can be submitted with.
Column 3
Lists the level of physician supervision required for each diagnostic test.
The levels are as follows:
- 1 = General supervision of a physician
- 2 = Direct supervision of a physician
- 3 = Personal supervision of a physician
- 4 = Physician supervision does not apply if performed by a qualified independent psychologist or a clinical psychologist; otherwise general supervision of a physician is required
- 5 = Physician supervision does not apply if performed by a qualified audiologist; otherwise general supervision of a physician is required
- 6 = Must be personally performed by a physician or by a physical therapist (PT) who is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) as a qualified electrophysiologic clinical specialist and is permitted to provide the service under State law
- 66 = May be performed by a physician or a physical therapist with ABPTS certification and certification in this specific procedure
- 6A = Supervision standards for level 66 apply; in addition, the PT with ABPTS certification may supervise another PT, but only the PT with ABPTS certification may bill
- 21 = Procedure may be performed by a technician with certification under general supervision of a physician; otherwise must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician
- 7A = Must be personally performed by a physical therapist (PT) who is certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) or by a PT without certification under direct supervision of a physician, or by a technician with certification under general supervision; in addition, the PT with ABPTS certification may supervise another PT, but only the PT with ABPTS certification may bill
- 9 = PC/TC Indicator Not Applicable- concept of a professional/technical component does not apply
Column 4
Lists the American Board of Medical Specialty certifications and other qualifications that Palmetto GBA deems to be clear evidence of proficiency for the physician supervising each test. Medicare requires that physicians supervising diagnostic tests in an IDTF provide evidence of proficiency in the performance and interpretation of each test that they supervise. If a physician does not possess the exact qualifications listed but believes that he/she is qualified to supervise a specific test, the Carrier will consider information that is submitted documenting specific formal training and experience related to the procedure in question.
Column 5
Lists the required qualifications for technicians involved in the performance of specific diagnostic tests. Abbreviations related to technician qualifications are as follows:
- AAET = American Association of Electrodiagnostic Technologists
- ABRET = American Board of EEG and Evoked Potential Technologists
- ARRT = American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (R = Radiography, N = Nuclear Medicine, CT = Computed Tomography MR = Magnetic Resonance, BD = Bone Densitometry, S = Sonography)
- ARDMS = American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
- BRPT = Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists
- CRT = Certified Respiratory Therapist
- CRT-N = Certified Radiologic Technologist- Nuclear Medicine
- JCAHPO = Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
- NBRC = National Board for Respiratory Care
- NMTCB = Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- R. EEG T. = Registered EEG Technologist
- RPFT = Registered Pulmonary Function Tech
- RPSGT = Registered Polysomnographic Technologist
- RRT = Registered Respiratory Therapist Certified in relevant area = certified in the performance of tests of type described by HCPCS Code