What is the Fee-Per-Scan Program?
The Fee-Per-Scan (FPS) program allows physicians to offer nuclear cardiac imaging services on-site with minimal financial risk to their practice. Cardinal Health assumes the financial risk for the equipment purchase, nuclear staff, and site management. 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.

What is meant by Fee-Per-Scan?
A Fee-Per-Scan is equivalent to one complete cardiac evaluation including rest/stress, with or without gating, one or two day protocol.

Is there a minimum patient volume required for participation in the program?
The recommended minimum patient volume for this fee-per-scan model 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 in determining the FPS rate. Any projection should serve as a guide only, not as a guarantee of results.

What does Cardinal Health provide under the FPS program?
The FPS program includes project management (team with technical expertise necessary for start-up); capital outlay for equipment purchase; technical and regulatory expertise; license procurement and radiation safety services; staffing (certified nuclear medicine technologist), radiopharmaceuticals and market development 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 assist in getting physicians licensed as authorized users?
Cardinal Health offers recommendations as to 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.

Who handles camera installation?
Cardinal Health assists 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 cause 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 location, 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 (as with a non-traditional space, or 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?
The facility signs a 5 year Management Services Agreement with Cardinal Health.

Will radio pharmaceutical supplies be part of the Cardinal Health Contract?
Although the radiopharmaceutical supplies are a part of the Fee-Per-Scan program, the medical provider is responsible for the costs of the radiopharmaceuticals. Therefore, the Fee-Per-Scan contract and the radiopharmaceutical supply agreement are two separate contracts and are invoiced separately.

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. If the medical provider has a technologist 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?
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?

	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