Radiation Exposure Indices or Exposure Time and Number of Fluorographic Images in Final Report for Procedures Using Fluoroscopy (G9500)

Name of the Procedure:

Common names: Radiation exposure tracking, Fluoroscopic imaging documentation.
Technical terms: HCPCS G9500, Radiation exposure indices documentation, Fluorography monitoring.

Summary

This procedure involves the documentation of radiation exposure indices, exposure time, and the number of fluorographic images taken during procedures using fluoroscopy. It ensures accurate recording for patient safety and quality control.

Purpose

The primary purpose is to manage and minimize radiation exposure for patients undergoing fluoroscopy and to document this information accurately in the final report. The goal is to enhance patient safety by monitoring radiation doses and to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Indications

• Procedures that involve the use of fluoroscopy.
• Patients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic interventions where fluoroscopic guidance is necessary.
• Scenarios where radiologic imaging is critical for real-time observation.

Preparation

• Patients may be required to wear a hospital gown to prevent any interference with imaging.
• Any metallic objects should be removed from the body.
• Specific preparation instructions may vary depending on the primary procedure utilizing fluoroscopy.

Procedure Description

1. Initiation: The fluoroscopy system is set up and calibrated.
2. Documentation: The healthcare professional begins to document the baseline radiation exposure indices.
3. Procedure Execution: During the fluoroscopic procedure, the following are continuously monitored and recorded:
   • Radiation dose indices.
   • Real-time exposure durations.
   • Number of fluorographic images captured.
4. Final Report: All data is summarized and included in the final patient report for that procedure.

Tools: Fluoroscopy machine, dosimeters, specialized software for recording data.

Duration

This documentation process runs concurrently with the primary fluoroscopy procedure, adding minimal additional time.

Setting

Performed in medical settings that utilize fluoroscopy, such as:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Surgical centers

Personnel

• Radiologists
• Radiologic technologists
• Nurses
• Other healthcare providers involved in the primary procedure

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Documentation errors which could lead to inaccurate radiation dose recording.

• Rare Risks: Equipment malfunction leading to unmonitored exposure.

  Complications are typically minimal if standard protocols are followed but require immediate addressing if they occur.

Benefits

• Enhanced patient safety through careful monitoring of radiation exposure.
• Ensures compliance with radiation safety standards.
• Provides essential data for quality control and future reference.

Recovery

• No specific recovery needed for the documentation process itself.
• Post-procedure care focuses on the main fluoroscopic procedure performed.

Alternatives

• Manual tracking: Less accurate and more prone to errors.
• Non-fluoroscopic imaging techniques: Depending on the clinical scenario, could be used to reduce radiation exposure, but might not provide real-time imaging benefits of fluoroscopy.

Patient Experience

• Patients typically do not experience additional sensations or discomfort from the documentation process itself.
• Pain management and comfort measures depend on the primary fluoroscopic procedure being performed.

Note: Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized instructions and information related to the fluoroscopy procedure and associated documentation practices.