EP42. Busting through the myths and misconceptions of integrating POCUS in Family and Internal Medicine

Do you like seeing your patients happy? Do you like additional revenue? Does it please you to reduce the risk of complication rates when performing injections? Well good, that means you’re not crazy. The Sonography Lounge wanted to release this special PSA episode to talk about Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Family and Internal Medicine practices. Point-of-Care ultrasound is a vital tool that has been used for decades in the emergency medicine / critical care setting for bedside diagnosis. With advancements in technology, driving down the size of the systems, as well as price, we are now at a point where Family / Internal Medicine practices can effectively and affordably integrate bedside ultrasound into their workflow. Over the past year while at conferences and tradeshows, we have heard some recurring comments about why practitioners have not yet integrated ultrasound into their practices. We would like to shine some light on these misconceptions for practices not currently reaping the benefits of in-house ultrasound. - Bedside Ultrasound IS reimbursable for both Diagnostic AND interventions - Bedside ultrasound can deliver immediate diagnostic answers to improve patient rapport and decrease time to treatment. - Systems are portable  with battery powered options available  - Some systems have AI integrated to aid in diagnostics and labeling - Can be performed not only the practice physican(s) but also trained staff such as NP’s and PA’s, Etc.  - Can be an integral part in adding revenue streams for procedures requiring guidance such as prolotherapy, PRP, adipose derived stem cells, etc (image documentation of a needle is reimbursable)  - Add regular screenings as a revenue source - and more Ultrasound Reimbursement / CPT Codes: Most ultrasound equipment companies are doing a great job at keeping up to date on the current reimbursement guidelines and codes. Search your favorite browser for ”POCUS Ultrasound CPT Codes” and numerous results will be shown. Ultrasound equipment company resources will also guide you through the billing process. The Sonography Lounge: https://thesonographylounge.podbean.com/   Gulfcoast Ultrasound Institute (Training materials and programs): www.gcus.com Upcoming POCUS Hands-On Courses POCUS Online Courses Private Courses: 1-2 People  Custom Group Training: (Get your whole team trained at your facility)   Certification Agencies: American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM): https://www.abem.org/public Sonographer / Physician: American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS): www.ardms.org Physicians: Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA): www.APCA.org Point of Care Healthcare Providers: Point of Care Certification Academy (POCUS): www.pocus.org Sonographer / Physician: Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI): www.cci-online.org   Find an accredited long term Ultrasound Program: https://www.caahep.org/Students/Find-a-Program.aspx