Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic
Radiology

CPSI performs annual testing and surveys on all conventional diagnostic x-ray equipment in accordance with applicable State, Federal, Accrediting, and Certifying Agency standards, (i.e. JCAHO, ACR, MQSA, AAPM, etc.), for the following equipment:

Radiographic
Fluoroscopic
- Standard (R and F Equipment)
- C-Arms
- Portables
- Angiography
- Cardiac Catheterization
CT (Computerized Tomography)
Mammography
- Conventional
- Stereotactic
- Digital
Dental X-Ray
Magnetic Resonance
Ultrasound
Bone Densitometry

CRE and Radiation Experts

For Fluoroscopy, CT and Mammography, the State of Ohio requires a medical physicist qualified as a Radiation Expert (for non-hospital facilities) or Certified Radiation Expert (CRE) perform the evaluations. For hospitals, a CRE must oversee the hospital Diagnostic (including Mammography) and Therapeutic Radiology Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which includes quarterly CRE audits and meetings, review of personnel dosimetry, QA policies and procedures, applicable training information and oversight, and an annual CRE report to the State.

Equipment Evaluation

Annual equipment evaluations are performed in addition to the QAP, but such requirements fall under the overall Quality Assurance Program for the facility. For conventional x-ray equipment, some areas evaluated by the medical physicist include:

Image Performance and Quality
Radiation Dosimetry for Patients and Personnel
Fluoroscopic Scatter Radiation Measurements
ESE (Entrance Skin Exposure)

Quality Assurance Program(s)

CPSI provides a Quality Assurance Program (QAP) for both hospitals and free-standing facilities that is tailored to each client's special requirements and has been well-received by regulatory and accrediting agencies. All new CPSI clients benefit from a start-up evaluation involving an initial on-site QAP audit in addition to the annual equipment evaluation. This assures the client and CPSI, that we have a full-understanding of current program issues and requirements, and that equipment evaluations, program gaps, and corrective actions are addressed early-on, well in advance of inspections or program deadlines and quarterly meetings.

Reports

Reports are provided in a concise and understandable format with a cover summary of findings including corrective actions, service repairs, and defects, as applicable. Postings and ESE charts are provided in addition to a QA/QC manual, and training information for radiation safety and fluoroscopy. Area surveys are required upon installation or when repairs/changes are made to equipment that could affect radiation output.

Diagnostic radiological physics services provided by CPSI are those required for the client to remain in substantial compliance with Federal and State Regulations regarding the safe use of radiological equipment, as well as those standards required by JCAHO for purposes of accreditation.