Requirements and Responsibilities for Interpreting Physicians

PURPOSE: This rule establishes requirements for interpreting physicians including qualifications, the mammography reporting process and responsibility to the patient. (1) The results of all mammography procedures shall be interpreted by a qualified physician who is licensed to practice medicine in Missouri and— (A) Has completed two (2) months of documented, formal training in reading mammograms with instruction in medical radiation physics, radiation effects and radiation protection; or is certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR); and (B) Has completed forty (40) hours of documented continuing medical education credits in mammography. Time spent in residency specifically devoted to mammography shall be accepted, if documented in writing. (2) The interpreting physician shall obtain at least fifteen (15) hours of continuing education in mammography interpretation, technical aspects and subjects related to mammography every three (3) years. (3) The interpreting physician shall— (A) Prepare and sign a written report on his/her interpretation of the results of the mammography procedure; (B) Provide a copy of the written report and the original images or films to the patient’s mammography supplier for inclusion in the patient’s medical record; and (C) Provide a written statement to the patient, either through a referring physician or the referring physician’s designate or, if a referring physician is not available, directly to the patient. The statement shall describe the test results, the next steps if the results are positive, the date of the procedure, the name of the facility providing the procedure, the physician—if any—to whom the patient wants a copy to be sent and shall indicate that the original images or films are being provided to the mammography supplier for inclusion in the patient’s medical record. AUTHORITY: sections 192.762 and 192.766, RSMo Supp. 1992.* This rule was previously filed as 19 CSR 20-11.040. Emergency rule filed Oct. 5, 1992, effective Oct. 15, 1992, expired Feb. 12, 1993. Emergency rule filed Feb. 3, 1993, effective Feb. 13, 1993, expired June 12, 1993. Original rule filed Nov. 4, 1992, effective June 7, 1993. Changed to 19 CSR 30-11.040 July 30, 1998. *Original authority 1992.