EKG and X-Ray Interpretations

When a need exists to provide a medically necessary X-ray or EKG to an emergency room patient, the following guidelines apply:

* Payment will be made for the interpretation and report that directly contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of the patient.

* Hospitals are encouraged to work with medical staff to ensure that only one interpretation charge is submitted per service. If the hospital physician ’ s repeat reading is for quality control and/or li- ability purposes only, such services are included in the Part A reimbursement and are not sepa- rately reimbursed.