Physicians performing and/or interpreting diagnostic examinations should meet at least one of the following criteria
Completion of an approved urologic residency which includes training in ultrasound since July 1, 2009 (the year reporting of ultrasounds was required by the residency review committee) and is board certified by the ABU or is board eligible
Board certified in urology prior to July 1, 2009 and submit an attestation of experience including involvement with 100 diagnostic ultrasound examinations and training in urologic ultrasound which includes at least a minimum of 12 h of AMA PRA Category I creditsTM Level 2 course(s) verifying the individual has satisfactorily met all specified learning objectives for the Level 2 classification course(s) including hands-on demonstration of successfully performing and documenting ultrasound studies. CME must be AUA Office of Education or AIUM approved courses and include both didactic and hands-on ultrasound
Each interpreting physician must have participated in at least 100 genitourinary ultrasound examinations prior to submitting the application, and must participate in at least 150 genitourinary ultrasound in the 3 years prior to reaccreditation [11].
Once the practice is accredited, each interpreting physician must obtain a minimum of ten AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ in genitourinary ultrasound every 3 years [11].
Sonographers (if applicable)
Name
Involvement with ultrasound functions
Certification
Training
Specialty/specialties performed
Length of time with practice
Each sonographer or other nonphysician who performs ultrasound examinations for the practice must be or become appropriately certified prior to reaccreditation (in 3 years). The AIUM currently recognizes certification in abdominal ultrasound by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) and general sonography certification granted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) obtained after January 1, 2013 [11].
Additional personnel (if applicable)
Name
Involvement with ultrasound functions
Within 1 week of submitting the online application, the practice must submit the following to the AIUM:
1.
Payment (if not already paid online)
The nonrefundable accreditation fee is automatically calculated based on the number of specialties in which the practice seeks accreditation, the number of sites the practice would like to have accredited, and the number of machines the practice has [14].
2.
Two signed copies of the Accreditation Agreement
The Accreditation Agreement defines the relationship between the AIUM and the practice seeking accreditation. It includes a HIPAA addendum by which the practice names the AIUM as its business associate. Review of the application cannot begin without this agreement. The AIUM will also sign the agreement and send you a copy for your HIPAA records [15].
3.
Single copy of the completed Accreditation Checklist and supporting documents, including medical licenses and residency and/or fellowship certificates for each interpreting physician, current registry cards for all sonographers (if applicable), and preventive maintenance records for each of your ultrasound machines [16].
4.
Case studies
The case studies are the most important component of the accreditation application.
The practice must submit the images and reports from four cases in the area or areas most commonly performed by the practice at its principal site. For example, a practice that mostly sees males with a history of infertility, most or all of the cases submitted are likely to be scrotal sonograms . Another practice may choose to submit the images and reports from one renal study, two prostate studies, and one penile study.
If the practice has more than one site or mobile unit, it must submit one additional case study and report from each additional site or mobile unit [17].
Important points:
a.
The practice must retain all original studies.
b.
Cases performed using automated bladder scanners are not acceptable.
c.
Only diagnostic studies performed within the last 12 months are acceptable.
d.
If there are multiple interpreting physicians and/or sonographers, the cases must reflect as many of the physicians and sonographers as possible. Studies performed or interpreted by someone who is not listed on the application will not be accepted.
5.
Case studies and supporting documents are submitted through the applicant’s secure online accreditation account.
The AIUM Accreditation Review Process
Once the online application, signed accreditation agreements, payment, supporting documents, and case studies have been received, one copy of the agreement, now also signed by the AIUM, is returned to the practice with a note that the application is complete and is being sent out for review .
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