Methodology

Breast MRI is fast becoming an essential tool in the evaluation of breast diseases. Despite the rapid growth of MR imaging procedures, many radiologists lack practical experience with this technique. This course will cover material dedicated to improving the way physicians utilize MRI to image the breast and evaluate disease. Participants will review new findings regarding MRI quality assurance and practice audit, and this experience should result in improved diagnoses and thus improved patient outcomes.

The course content will ensure quality as outlined in the Practice Guidelines for Performing and Interpreting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) set forth by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Moreover, the program will play a pivotal role in allowing facilities that perform only breast imaging to fulfill any applicable accreditation requirements under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA). 

Under MIPPA, all facilities in which the technical component of advanced diagnostic-imaging services is provided must become accredited by a CMS-designated accrediting organization by January 1, 2012, in order to qualify for Medicare reimbursement. On completion of the course participants will be able to obtain15 hours of Category 1 Continuing Medical Education (CME) in breast MRI towards meeting the requirements of Breast MRI accreditation.