What is protocols, procedure codes and baskets

Meaning of procedures in the RIS/PACS environment:

• There are specific procedures for each modality.
• Procedures refer to specific examinations, eg. Chest x-ray, abdomen x-ray, US abdomen, MR brain, MR c-spine, etc
• Each procedure has a procedure code (CPT) which is a worldwide standard as well as a description (which is customizable). Chest single view = 30100, where Chest two views = 30110 etc.
• This procedure code is linked to a feeing structure with a specific price for each procedure code.
• There are different price lists for Medical Aid, Private, Company, WCA and/or customized pricelists according to specific practice policies. (Medical aid prices are determined by specific medical aids.)

PROTOCOL PLAN / BASKETS

• On INFINITT RIS, we create protocol plans which act as a ‘basket’ which can contain one or many procedures (tariff codes) for the same modality, as well as consumables - unique to the specific protocol.
• Protocol ‘CHEST’ consists of:

Procedure description	CPT code
Chest single view	30100
Chest two views	30110
Complete with additional views	30120

No consumables

Eg. Protocol ‘CT CHEST’ consist of:

Procedure description	CPT code
CT Chest Limited	30300
CT Chest Uncontrasted	30310
CT Chest Contrasted	30320
CT Chest Pre- and Post contrast	30330

Consumables:

Consumable description	Nappi code
Contrast Optiray PF 350 125ml	857513001
Infusion Saline 200 ml	805254005
Syringe front loading 200ml	543937003
Webcol swab	496125004

• The protocols are completely customizable to adapt to the practice’s needs. to combine different procedures to ensure that multiple different examinations of the same modality can be accommodated in one RIS entry.   Therefore, one RIS entry = one protocol selection = one or multiple procedures with or without consumables = one account(visit).
• Protocol plans and baskets contain suggested procedures with their CPT codes as well as suggested consumables, but a modification of these procedures and baskets might be needed for each patient by the radiographer, depending on the actual clinical examination performed. 
• Procedures, as well as consumables can be completely removed from the basket and filled with new procedures and consumables as needed per examination.
• Radiographers/receptionists can modify the protocol basket to fit the referral request and procedures done before and/or while procedures are performed.
• Radiologists and billing staff can modify the protocol basket after the radiographer has completed the study.
• Protocol baskets cannot be modified after an invoice has been created.