CREDENTIALING OF CROSSOVER PRIVILEGES IN FLUOROSCOPY FOR NONRADIOLOGISTS

PURPOSE: To comply with federal and state guidelines, a credentialing process was developed for nonradiologist medical users of fluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-three nonradiologist physicians participated in a program consisting of (a) an introductory 1-hour lecture; (b) a l0-page booklet providing basic information on radiation physics, radiobiology, and radiation safety; and (c) successful completion of a 15-question self-study quiz on fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Mean fluoroscopy times per surgical case were compared for a 7-month period before (7.01 minutes in 201 cases) and after (4.39 minutes in 396 cases) the program and showed a 37.4% decrease (P <.05). Participating physician attitudes were surveyed at the completion of the program and showed an average physician time investment of 2 1/2 hours and a 4.1 approval rating for the credentialing program on a 5-point Likert scale. CONCLUSION: This fluoroscopic credentialing process for nonradiologist medical users (a) achieved a statistically significant reduction in fluoroscopic time per surgical case, (b) required a minimal investment of physician time, and (c) was well received by the medical staff.