Name of the Procedure:

Transportation of Portable X-Ray Equipment and Personnel to Home or Nursing Home, Per Trip to Facility or Location, More Than One Patient Seen (HCPCS Code R0075)

Summary

This procedure involves transporting portable x-ray equipment and the necessary personnel to a patient’s home or a nursing home to perform x-ray examinations. This service covers situations where multiple patients at the same location require x-rays.

Purpose

This service addresses the need for diagnostic imaging in patients who are unable to visit a medical facility due to mobility issues or severe medical conditions. The goal is to provide timely and necessary x-rays without requiring the patient to leave their home or nursing environment, thereby reducing stress and logistical challenges for patients and caregivers.

Indications

• Patients with limited mobility or inability to travel.
• Patients with severe medical conditions that make transportation difficult or risky.
• Nursing home residents requiring routine or emergency diagnostic imaging.

Preparation

• No specific preparation is required for the transportation of the equipment itself.
• The patient may need to follow typical preparation guidelines for x-rays, such as removing jewelry and wearing loose clothing.
• Informing healthcare providers about any possible radiographic contrast allergies or relevant medical history.

Procedure Description

1. Qualified personnel transport the portable x-ray equipment to the patient’s home or nursing home.
2. Upon arrival, the x-ray technician sets up the equipment and prepares the patient for the x-ray.
3. The patient is positioned appropriately based on the type of x-ray needed.
4. The x-rays are taken and the images are captured.
5. The equipment is packed up and transported back to the medical facility for processing and interpretation.
6. The results are sent to the ordering physician for diagnostic purposes.

Duration

The duration for each trip and x-ray session can vary but typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per patient, depending on the complexity and number of x-rays needed.

Setting

The procedure takes place at the patient's home or nursing home.

Personnel

• Radiologic Technologist (X-ray Technician)
• Driver/Equipment Handler (if separate from the technologist)
• Occasionally, an assistant may be present to help with patient positioning.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal radiation exposure during the x-ray process.
• Potential for unclear images requiring retakes.
• Rare risk of equipment malfunction or technical issues.

Benefits

• Provides essential diagnostic imaging for patients unable to travel.
• Reduces stress and inconvenience for patients and caregivers.
• Facilitates quicker diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Multiple patients can be seen in a single trip, optimizing resource use.

Recovery

• No recovery time is typically needed as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Post-procedure instructions, if any, will be provided by the radiologic technologist.

Alternatives

• Traveling to a hospital or outpatient clinic for an x-ray: This may be less convenient and more stressful for patients with mobility issues.
• Use of other imaging modalities like ultrasound, if appropriate and available.

Patient Experience

• Patients may feel minimal discomfort while being positioned for the x-ray.
• The procedure is quick and involves no invasive measures.
• Technicians will ensure the patient's comfort and explain each step of the process.
• Pain management is generally unnecessary, but comfort measures are in place to help with positioning discomfort.