The field of ultrasound consists of a variety of specialties; general, cardiac, ob/gyn, ophthalmic, and vascular ultrasound. Vascular ultrasound, as is the case with all of the other disciplines of ultrasound, requires considerable training and a high level of skill. The degree of specialization required to perform competent and diagnostic studies is perhaps best demonstrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' recognition that personnel performing vascular ultrasound studies should be appropriately certified and/or working in an accredited laboratory. Currently, such requirements are in place in 26 states as a prerequisite to submission of claims for payment to the Medicare program.

Personnel certification and lab accreditation, however, should only be viewed as establishing minimum level competency. When evaluating where to send your patients in need of noninvasive vascular testing, a number of other factors should also be considered in deciding where your needs and the needs of your patients can be best served.

		Others
Specializes in vascular ultrasound testing only (i.e., generalist vs. specialist). (read more)
Accredited by ICAVL in all 5 areas of vascular study: Cerebrovascular - extracranial, Cerebrovascular -intracranial, Peripheral Arterial, Peripheral Venous and Abdominal Vascular. (read more)
All tests are performed by or under the personal supervision of a Registered Vascular Technologist. (read more)
Provides a written preliminary report immediately upon completion of the study. (read more)
All studies independently reviewed by a qualified physician who dictates a separate formal report (i.e., not just a physician "rubber stamping" a technologist's preliminary report). (read more)
All studies are reviewed by a qualified physician who is not the patient's treating physician at the time of the study (i.e., PVI interpreter's are not allowed to interpret studies on patients they have referred). (read more)
Ensures convenient and timely testing by offering 14 laboratory locations. (read more)
Makes provisions to accept "add-ons" with an appointed time (e.g., no sitting in reception areas waiting for an opening). (read more)
Ensures availability of services when you need them - (On-call services are provided outside normal business hours). (read more)
Employs a Patients Bill of Rights which includes seeing patients on time or providing an explanation for any delay. (read more)
Provides adequate time for technologists to perform high quality testing (1.5 hrs. per patient). (read more)
Comprehensive protocols that ensure testing is provided at an appropriate and effective level with regard to cost and diagnostic value (e.g., not simply to maximize throughput). (read more)
Provides a follow-up program for long term assessment of at risk patients. (read more)
Performs on going training and Q/A functions for both technologists and physicians. (read more)
Employs extensive Risk Management, Medicare & HIPAA Compliance programs. (read more)
Ensures that all patients have a voice through ongoing patient satisfaction surveys. (read more)

  "Mike (PVI Technologist) made an unknown procedure doable and not so scary."

  "If every hospital were like your lab, we wouldn't mind going there."

  "The tech was great! He took the time to explain what I was going through and made me feel more comfortable with the procedure."

  "Tracy was very considerate of my handicap. Thank you!"

  "Absolutely content with the way I was taken care of by Lee. I was treated like a queen!"

  "I am now on the road to recovery - this exam started it all. I had surgery in October, and now I can walk without pain."

  "I really appreciate not being made to wait."

  "Linda was above excellent. She made the entire experience positive. I've had far too many studies not to greatly appreciate excellent care - thanks!"

  "Amy was wonderful! She helped me relax, was funny and very caring - what I consider to be a necessary combination."