A Radiology Schedulers Guide

Rick Rivera, CRA

 Radiology scheduling is a complicated and challenging job to perform. It has inherent challenges due to the complexity of modalities, exams, and insurance. This material is designed to provide an understanding of the basic elements of radiology scheduling. We hope that once you understand the key elements of the process, you will be more prepared for your live training.

Due to the diversity of scheduling guidelines, you must default to your company’s scheduling protocols first. Your company’s protocols should be approved by the medical director, and any protocol given to you by the company you work for should take precedence over this material.

This instruction manual has been presented in an easy-to-understand format. In all cases, you must default to your company policy and procedures.

Please note that the words Radiology and Imaging will be used interchangeably in this material. Traditionally, the word radiology was the standard word used to define these types of departments, but due to the fact that not all diagnostic equipment uses radiation, the term imaging has been slowly replacing this old term.

• Radiology Workflow

• Nine steps in understanding the workflow of an imaging center

• Scheduling a Patient

• The who, what, and why’s

• 4 Basics Elements of a Referral

• Doctors Request Exam Description

• CPT code Diagnosis

• ICD10 Code Insurance Information

• Authorization

• Scheduling An Exam

• Understanding Imaging Equipment

  • X-Ray (General Diagnostic Radiology)

  • CT (CAT Scan)

  • Fluoroscopy

  • DEXA

  • Mammography

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

  • Ultrasound (US)