Name of the Procedure:

• Common Name(s): Imaging Study Search
• Technical/Medical Term: HCPCS Procedure Search Not Conducted Prior to Imaging Study (G9342)

Summary

The procedure code G9342 indicates a situation where an imaging study was conducted without first searching for prior CT studies completed at non-affiliated external healthcare facilities within the past 12 months, even though these records could have been accessed securely and without physical media.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions or Problems Addressed: This code is used to identify unnecessary duplicate imaging studies which can lead to excessive radiation exposure for patients, increased healthcare costs, and inefficient use of medical resources.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: The primary goal is to encourage healthcare providers to access and review existing imaging studies from external sources to avoid redundant testing and ensure continuity in patient care.

Indications

• Symptoms or Conditions: Patients requiring follow-up imaging studies or those with recent imaging history.
• Patient Criteria: Patients who have had CT studies within the past 12 months at non-affiliated healthcare facilities that could provide valuable clinical information.

Preparation

• Pre-Procedure Instructions for Patients: Not applicable as it is a procedural guideline for healthcare providers.
• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments Required: Providers should search and review previous CT imaging records from external sources before conducting new imaging studies.

Procedure Description

• Step-by-Step Explanation:
  1. Verify patient history for recent CT studies.
  2. Search secure, authorized imaging records databases or systems for existing studies.
  3. Review and evaluate the previous CT images.
  4. Determine the necessity of new CT imaging based on prior studies.
• Tools, Equipment, or Technology Used: Electronic health records (EHR) systems, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), secure access systems.
• Anesthesia or Sedation Details: Not applicable.

Duration

• Typical Time: A few minutes to access and review prior imaging records.

Setting

• Place: Medical facilities where imaging studies are ordered, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or radiology centers.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Radiologists, radiology technicians, referring physicians, and administrative staff.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Potentially minimal if the procedure is correctly followed.
• Rare Risks: Missed prior imaging records due to incomplete database access or errors in record retrieval.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Reduction in unnecessary repeat CT scans, minimized radiation exposure, cost savings, and improved diagnostic accuracy.
• Realization Time: Immediate, upon avoiding unnecessary imaging.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care and Instructions: Not applicable as it is a procedural guideline.
• Expected Recovery Time: Not applicable.
• Restrictions or Follow-Up Appointments: Not applicable.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options: Directly requesting imaging records from external facilities via traditional means, though this may be less efficient.
• Pros and Cons: Secure electronic search is faster and more reliable compared to manual requests which can be time-consuming and prone to delays.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Patients are generally not directly involved in this internal procedural step.
• After the Procedure: If duplicate imaging is avoided, patients benefit from reduced exposure to radiation and fewer appointments for unnecessary tests.
• Pain Management and Comfort Measures: Not applicable.

This guideline is aimed at optimizing patient care through efficient use of existing medical imaging resources and ensuring that healthcare providers make the best-informed decisions possible.