Lab Accreditation and Credentials in Sonography

Abstract

There is an increasing demand for sonographer credentials and facility accreditation associated with federal reimbursement of sonography examinations. Therefore, a national survey was conducted to identify the education/ certification status of sonographers currently performing studies that receive federal reimbursement. The survey, addressed to sonography administrators, also investigated the sonography laboratory accreditation status. Results indicated that approximately 12% of the sonographers were reported to have no sonography-specific credentials. The primary age range of this group was 25 to 34 years, and 64% were graduates of a two-year (minimum) allied health education program other than sonography. Forty-two percent indicated their sonography lab was not accredited. Should the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require facility accreditation, there may be a significant impact on sonographer requirements as a condition of employment.

Scope of Practice of Sonographers Across the United States: A Survey Study

“…1 Although there are national organizations, including the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) that administer examinations and award credentials, 2 there is no federally mandated credentialing requirement or established minimal educational requirements necessary for sonographers to perform examinations in the United States. 3 Many outside the field of sonography do not realize that there are no federal laws requiring licensure for sonographers. 4 The ARDMS has provided information on how licensure differs from certification, noting that licensure is generally required by the government in order to practice a specific profession, but certification is a voluntary way to show objectively measured competence.…”

“…1 Although there are national organizations, including the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) that administer examinations and award credentials, 2 there is no federally mandated credentialing requirement or established minimal educational requirements necessary for sonographers to perform examinations in the United States. 3 Many outside the field of sonography do not realize that there are no federal laws requiring licensure for sonographers. 4…”

“…Hospitals and medical facilities generally look to hire sonographers with credentials, as this indicates a minimum level of competency. 3,8 If the imaging department or facility is accredited by an independent agency, many of these organizations require sonographers on site to have ARDMS, CCI, and/or ARRT credentials. 3…”

“…3,8 If the imaging department or facility is accredited by an independent agency, many of these organizations require sonographers on site to have ARDMS, CCI, and/or ARRT credentials. 3…”

Competency-Based Methods in Adult Cardiac Sonography and its Application to Credentialing

“…However, it is recommended, and an individual likely will not become employed without being credentialed; in addition, labs that employ such individuals will not receive reimbursement from particular health insurance companies. [5][6][7][8] Sonography credentialing bolsters the field and patient care. 4 This work was focused on the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) 9 as the credentialing body of sonography, which before 2020 had nine different mechanisms to become credentialed, but currently has only five pathways.…”