DIAGNOSTIC X-RAY

Diagnostic X-ray services are covered only if furnished by a physician or as “incident to” a
physician’s services.

If the service is not performed by a physician, it must be performed as “incident to” a physician’s
services. “Incident to” a physician’s services means that the services are furnished as an
integral, although incidental, part of the physician’s personal professional services in the course
of diagnosis or treatment of an injury or illness.

In addition, the services of non-physicians must be rendered under the physician’s direct
supervision.

X-RAY INTERPRETATIONS

When a hospital radiologist provides the initial interpretation of a radiological exam that he or
she or a qualified technician performed on a hospital patient, the interpretation is clearly covered
as a physician’s service. However, a separate charge is not allowed for an X-ray
interpretation performed by the attending physician after the hospital radiologist has made an
interpretation.