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What start-up programs do you offer?
Cardinal Health’s start-up options range from initial lab
set-up to full service lab set-up and management. LABStart™ allows
you to select what you need from a menu of services for setting
up a nuclear lab. LABComplete™, our full-service lab set
up and management program, allows physicians to start a nuclear
imaging lab with no upfront capital. Cardinal Health assumes the
financial risk for the equipment purchase, nuclear staff, and site
management. LABManage™ offers those practices that already
have a camera the opportunity to relieve themselves of the daily
management chores associated with operating a nuclear imaging lab.
What are the costs associated with Cardinal
Health’s start-up programs?
Our fee structure, depending on the option selected, includes Fee
for service, Fee-Per-Scan, and a flat monthly fee. Fee-Per-Scan
allows physicians to pay only for the procedures performed and
the flat monthly rate is the same each month regardless of the
number of procedures performed.
What is meant by Fee-Per-Scan?
The medical provider bills globally (professional and technical
fees) for procedures performed and Cardinal Health invoices monthly
on a Fee-Per-Scan basis for the number of procedures performed
by the lab. A Fee-Per-Scan is equivalent to one complete cardiac
evaluation including rest/stress, with or without gating, one-or
two-day protocol.
How is the Fee-Per-Scan or flat monthly
rate determined?
The rate varies for different facilities. The rate is based on
projected volume, payor mix, equipment costs, and estimated staffing
costs. Cardinal Health determines the FPS rate after we obtain
the above information.
Is there a minimum patient volume required
for participation in the LABComplete™ program?
The recommended minimum patient volume for LABComplete™ is 50
scans per month for a single head camera and 70 scans per month for
a dual head camera. The higher the volume, the lower the rate. In
addition, the Cardinal Health management contract has a minimum number
of scans that must be paid for monthly to cover the cost of the equipment
and the nuclear staff.
Why do you need to know the payor mix?
The payor mix is needed in order to determine projected revenue
based on the reimbursement rates from various payors for covered
procedures. The reimbursement rates are different for Medicare
and commercial. The projected revenue is based on projected volume
and reimbursement rates for the procedures performed. This information
is used to prepare a financial pro forma and to determine
the compensation rate. Any projections should serve as a guide
only,
not as a guarantee of results.
What does Cardinal Health provide under
the LABComplete™ program?
The LABComplete™ program includes project management (team with
technical expertise necessary for start-up; capital outlay for equipment
purchases; technical and regulatory expertise; license procurement
and radiation safety services; staffing (certified nuclear medicine
technologist); a radiopharmaceutical supply agreement, ICANL accreditation
of lab, and marketing assistance.
What are the responsibilities of the
practice?
The medical provider provides appropriate and adequate space for
the Nuclear Imaging Suite; crash cart; medical staff (including
physicians and stress tech/nurse), and operating supplies.
What if there are not any authorized
users in the practice?
The requirements for an authorized user varies in each state.
The Cardinal Health installation team works with the medical provider
to identify and establish an authorized user for the facility
based on the regulations that apply.
Does Cardinal Health provide a place
to get physicians licensed as authorized users?
Cardinal Health offers recommendations for a place where physicians
can acquire the appropriate hours of didactic training. The recommended
clinical hours are usually covered in their internship or current
professional duties. If the recommended training location is inconvenient,
Cardinal Health contacts the local health physicist to suggest
alternative locations.
Does Cardinal Health have an exclusive
agreement with one particular camera vendor?
No. Cardinal Health does not have an exclusive buying agreement
with any gamma camera company. Although we may recommend certain cameras
that we believe to
be of excellent quality and best suited for the needs of the practice, the ultimate
decision is left up to the medical provider.
Who handles camera installation?
Cardinal Health will assist with coordinating the installation
process, from the site survey to choice of the building architect,
renovations, and camera delivery. A Cardinal Health representative
will be on site to assist with the delivery and installation
of the camera.
How long does installation take and
what disruption to the practice is experienced?
Installation takes approximately 5 days. Delivery and installation
usually causes minimum disruption to the daily operations. Installation
is a quiet process and can be done during normal business hours.
What are the limitations on up fit renovations?
An appropriate allotment for up fit renovations is included in
the Cardinal Health Management Services Agreement. Up fit renovations
may include floor reinforcement, removal or change of wall locations,
additional electric, lighting, increased A/C capabilities, a
modem line, and cabinetry. The cost of these renovations should
fit into the contract allotment amount. However, if the facility
has special needs (i.e., a non-traditional space or a historical
location with restrictions), then the cost of the additional
renovations will be the responsibility of the medical provider.
Does the facility sign a long term contract
with Cardinal Health?
Under the LABComplete™ program, the facility signs a five-year
agreement. Terms are negotiable for LABStart™ and LABManage™.
Will radiopharmaceutical supplies be
part of the Cardinal Health contract?
Yes, the radiopharmaceutical supply agreement is an addendum to
the Imaging Management Services Agreement and is billed on a separate
invoice. The medical provider is responsible for the costs of the
radiopharmaceuticals.
What role does the medical provider
have in the selection of the Nuclear Technologist?
Cardinal Health is responsible for recruiting the technologist
and scheduling primary interviews for the LABComplete™ and
LABManage™ programs. If the medical provider has a technologist
that they would like for the position, we interview that individual
as a priority. The best qualified candidate is scheduled for a
meeting with the facility administrator, lead physician, or any
other individuals involved in the selection process for approval
before an offer is made. If at any time the tech or medical provider
wants to terminate the relationship, a replacement technologist
will be recruited.
Who is responsible for training of the
office staff?
Under the LABComplete™ and LABManage™ programs, Cardinal
Health provides training and educational information, including
billing and coding information, to the office staff so that they can
answer
most patient questions. The nuclear technologist is available to
help with all scheduling questions. Training is also provided regarding
the radioactive materials that will be delivered to the office.
How long does it take to get the on-site
nuclear lab up and running?
Normally, a typical site’s imaging services are up and running within 90
to 120 days from the date the service agreement is signed, and typically with
little or no disruption to daily operations.
Who do I contact at Cardinal Health to get more
information?
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Bette Cloud
Cardinal Health
Cardiology Solutions
1220 Old Alpharetta Road, Suite 330
Alpharetta, GA 30005
E-mail: Bette.Cloud@cardinal.com
Phone: 678.455.2113
Fax: 678.455.2125 |
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