Practical Aspects of Point-of-Care Ultrasound: From Billing and Coding to Documentation and Image Archiving

Abstract

As point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly implemented into the routine clinical practice of nephrologists, it is important to consider the practical aspects of a POCUS workflow including documentation, image archiving, billing, and coding. Documentation of POCUS studies performed allows for accurate information exchange among all members of the care team and can be effectively implemented using preset documentation worksheets. Image archiving systems provide a mechanism for review, storage, and quality assurance processes that are directly linked to the patient's record. Understanding the coding components required for billing and developing efficient systems to support billing and coding can contribute to ensuring financial support for POCUS programs long term. Each individual component, documentation, image archiving, billing, and coding is necessary to incorporate into a POCUS workflow as documentation, archiving, and coding of studies are required for appropriate billing. Most importantly, incorporating these practical components creates opportunities for communicating clinically relevant findings among care teams and enhances the quality of patient care delivered in health systems.

Keywords: Archiving; Billing; Coding; Documentation; Point-of-care ultrasound.