Reviewing new ambulatory EC standards reveals MRI and diagnostic imaging best practices for hospitals

Although new elements of performance (EP) for advanced diagnostic imaging only appear in the EC chapter for ambulatory providers, these requirements may still be worth the attention of hospitals.

For starters, the disparity now between the ambulatory and hospital EC chapters when it comes to MRI and radiology safety results in a more strenuous approach for ambulatory settings, says Tobias Gilk, M.Arch, president and MRI safety director at Mednovus SAFESCAN®, based in Leucadia, CA. SAFESCAN develops ferromagnetic detection products for MRI suites. “The Joint Commission hates disparities when they don’t need to be there between the hospital and ambulatory accreditation programs,” Gilk says.