Frequently Asked Questions

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) entails the clinician's direct utilization of ultrasound technology to facilitate bedside diagnosis and/or procedural guidance. Historically, clinicians would identify a suspected disease process based on patient history and physical examination, subsequently ordering an ultrasound. This procedure would typically be administered by a radiology technician, with resultant images then interpreted by specialists such as radiologists, cardiologists, or obstetricians.

In contrast, POCUS empowers the same clinician who evaluates the patient to employ ultrasound technology directly, aiding in diagnostic confirmation or exclusion. This approach offers notable advantages, as clinicians can leverage immediate clinical data for ultrasound interpretation, leading to expedited results. Particularly in emergency medicine and critical care settings, POCUS enables swift bedside identification of life-threatening conditions, facilitating prompt initiation of definitive treatment.

Due to these significant benefits, POCUS stands out as one of the most rapidly advancing technologies in the field of medicine.

A POCUS consultation commences with a comprehensive review of the existing POCUS program. This involves completing an intake form containing detailed inquiries regarding current POCUS provider education and operational processes, if applicable. Peachtree POCUS will conduct virtual meetings with all stakeholders, including departmental/hospital leadership, IT, and billing departments, to gain insights into the current landscape and prepare for an on-site visit.

Subsequently, Peachtree POCUS will arrange for one or more site visits. These visits are essential for gaining a thorough understanding of the department/hospital geography, which informs our recommendations effectively. Following the site visit and any necessary additional meetings, Peachtree POCUS will furnish a detailed written report comprising concrete recommendations.

Upon receipt of the report, we will schedule a meeting to discuss and elucidate the recommendations in greater detail, ensuring clarity and alignment with your organizational objectives.

Yes! Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is regarded as a procedural technique akin to other medical procedures. In the realm of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), POCUS is categorized as a limited ultrasound examination, each with its unique set of CPT codes. Both facility and professional fees are eligible for reimbursement, given that the clinician is responsible for both performing and interpreting the examination.

However, akin to other radiological studies and unlike conventional bedside procedures, specific criteria must be met to qualify for reimbursement. These criteria encompass the provision of a meticulously formatted report and the appropriate archiving and accessibility of images. Peachtree POCUS stands ready to assist you comprehensively in navigating all aspects of POCUS reimbursement

Yes! We offer comprehensive assistance with all aspects of credentialing, recognizing its hospital/healthcare system-specific nature, which may vary across institutions. In cases where your hospital lacks a defined credentialing pathway, we provide a tailored credentialing policy ready for immediate implementation by the hospital or department. Our policy accounts for specialty-specific credentialing guidelines, if applicable.

If your hospital already has an established credentialing pathway, we facilitate the credentialing process for providers within this framework. Credentialing typically entails specific quotas of POCUS exams performed and reviewed for quality. Peachtree POCUS delivers both the requisite education and image review services to fulfill these requirements. Additionally, we offer ongoing support to maintain credentialing status through regular image reviews.

Technically, billing/reimbursement and credentialing are unrelated. However, just like any procedure, it is highly recommended that providers be credentialed before using POCUS to make clinical decisions. 

Peachtree POCUS prioritizes the value of collaboration. We firmly believe that fostering collaborative relationships with other imaging specialties, including radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics-gynecology, ultimately optimizes patient care. However, it's essential to address legitimate concerns that these departments may have regarding POCUS.

These concerns may encompass patient safety, provider competence, and potential impacts on reimbursement. Through the establishment of a robust POCUS program, accompanied by comprehensive provider training, rigorous quality assurance protocols, and stringent safety measures, many of these concerns can be mitigated. Additionally, concerns regarding reimbursement can be addressed through negotiation to ensure the satisfaction of all parties involved.

Peachtree POCUS is committed to collaborating with your radiology, cardiology, and OBGYN department leadership to address and alleviate their concerns, fostering a partnership that benefits the patients under our care.

Peachtree POCUS offers comprehensive solutions, including fostering interdepartmental collaboration. Irrespective of whether you operate a critical access emergency department, a family medicine clinic with two providers, or a sprawling multi-hospital health system, we customize our recommendations to align with the unique dynamics of your practice environment.