FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

This stands for Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme. The scheme includes all diagnostic imaging practices that provide Medicare-funded services on the diagnostic imaging table.
  • Ultrasound
  • CT
  • Angiography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Mammography
  • Theatre radiography
  • Dental
  • Bone Densitometry 
  • Xray
  • MRI
  • Nuclear Medicine Imaging
An LSPN or Location Specific Practice Number is used by Medicare to identify practices that provide diagnostic imaging services. Each practice will have its own, unique LSPN. 

To provide Medicare-eligible diagnostic imaging services, practices must be registered with the Department of Human Services which allocates LSPNs. The LSPN must be submitted as part of each Medicare claim for diagnostic imaging services.
Over a 4-year cycle, the practice manager, or other staff with expert knowledge in DIAS, often leave the practice. When this happens, the practice loses important organisational knowledge of DIAS and can become overwhelmed by this intensive process.

DIAS ensures that medical imaging practices under this scheme adhere to expected standards for safety and quality. Patients are not the only ones set to benefit from DIAS accreditation processes – practices do too. These benefits include:

  • Maintaining access to Medicare rebates
  • Improvement of practice processes
  • Improvement of practice informational resources
  • Streamlined patient processing and medication management
  • Improved infection prevention techniques
  • Development of a patient-centric service
  • Reduced error rates
  • Improved client relationship
  • Enhanced practice reputation
  • Development of a competitive edge over non-accredited practices

Practices can choose to become accredited in two different ways:

  • Full Suite accreditation – This is achieved by meeting all 15 accreditation standards, known as full-suite accreditation.
  • Entry Level accreditation – In this option, a practice can become accredited against some of the standards – those which have been categorised as entry-level standards. This option is open to practices that are getting accreditation for the first time, and these practices must then achieve full accreditation in the next 2 years.
Unfortunately, not. Once full DIAS accreditation is granted, a practice enters an accreditation maintenance program. Every 4 years, the practice will have to go through the process again to keep the accreditation current. This is because the standards will evolve as technology, processes, and best practices change.
Ideally, accreditation assessors like to have your submission 2 months before the expiry date. You can contact us up to 6 months before the expiry date, ideally giving 3 months’ notice to allow enough time to provide support.

You must contact Services Australia to vary your LSPN and add the x-ray equipment details. You also have to provide this information to your accreditor and apply for a radiation management licence/possession licence as per the local State or Territory requirements.

As a medical consultant, you can claim Medicare benefits if the ultrasound is in the scope of your practice. You must document the clinical need and results of the ultrasound examination in the patient’s notes.

You will have to vary your LSPN and include this ultrasound machine. It is also important to email your accreditor to let them know you have added this equipment.

Our fee will depend on how many modalities and equipment you have, as well as what policies you have in place. We advise and help gather the necessary information that is required for submission. We also help you address any feedback from the accreditors after your submission. We take away the hassle, anxiety, and time associated with the accreditation process.
Absolutely! We can provide expert advice on a range of matters including imaging compliance and radiation safety.