CMS extends testing period for Clinical Decision Support requirement

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that its Educational and Operations Testing Period for the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) Program has been extended through the end of 2021. During this 2020-21 testing period, there are no payment consequences associated with the AUC program, but stakeholders are encouraged to use this period to learn, test and prepare for the AUC program.

The CMS AUC program will now go into effect on January 1, 2022, and it will require that clinicians ordering advanced diagnostic imaging services (MRI, CT, PET/CT, Nuclear Medicine) for Medicare Part B (outpatient) beneficiaries consult appropriate use criteria (AUC) through a qualified Clinical Decision Support Mechanism (CDSM).

CDI already offers a range of workflow solutions to help referring clinicians prepare for this new requirement. Whether referring clinicians order by fax, phone, interface or portal, CDI we will  ensure that all Medicare orders are processed appropriately. We accept results from all federally qualified CDSMs – and all required services ordered through our Medical Professionals Portal are automatically stepped through a qualified CDSM to comply with the new requirements. Click here to order online.