Diagnostic Imaging Services Accreditation
Diagnostic imaging service providers are defined as those who provide ultrasound, radiography, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and bone densitometry services to the community. Diagnostic imaging service providers can range from large facilities offering complex imaging services through to general practices providing simple diagnostic ultrasounds.
Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS)
Diagnostic imaging service providers, offering Medicare-funded diagnostic imaging services, are required to be accredited as part of the Diagnostic Imaging Accreditation Scheme (DIAS), developed by the Australian Government Department of Health. The DIAS aims to improve patient health outcomes across Australia by ensuring national standards of safety and quality are applied to all premises where diagnostic imaging services are provided.
QIP is approved by the Department of Health to deliver accreditation against the DIAS Standards and is dedicated to supporting diagnostic imaging services on their accreditation journey, to assist in the smooth continuation of Medicare rebates.
Download QIP's DIAS brochure here
Modalities for accreditation
The Department of Health has determined that the modalities listed in the table below must be accredited under the DIAS.
Modality | Relevant items in DI services table | Medicare Code |
Ultrasound | All items in Group 11 | ULT |
Computed Tomography | All items in Group 12 | CTG |
Diagnostic Radiology including:
• General • Radiology (X-ray) • Mammography • Angiography • Fluoroscopy • Orthopantomography (OPG) |
All items in Group 13 | RAD |
Nuclear Medicine Imaging | All items in Group 14 | NME |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) | All items in Group 15 | MRI |
Enhancing your diagnostic imaging service provision
At times, diagnostic imaging services are required to tender for the provision of service delivery in private and public hospitals, and day procedure services throughout Australia. To support this process, diagnostic imaging services find accreditation against the National Safety and Quality in Health Service (NSQHS) Standards can enhance their service provision and assist with tender submissions.
In addition to meeting the requirements of the DIAS, diagnostic imaging services who have also successfully met the NSQHS Standards can be more attractive to hospitals and day procedure services. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care mandates these facilities to be accredited under the NSQHS Standards and therefore alignment of quality systems and national recognition against the NSQHS Standards can support diagnostic imaging services to stand out from their competitors.
Benefits of accreditation
Consumer confidence
Reassures patients and the local community of a health services’ commitment to deliver quality-focused services and care.
Reduce business risk
Allows for ongoing review, monitoring & improvement of systems, processes & culture; enabling risk management & mitigation.
Quality team
Educating and engaging a health service’s team in the process of quality improvement can build a culture of quality among staff.
Industry benchmark
Offers confidence to patients of the service delivery and care provided and can assist health services to meet regulatory requirements for funding incentives.
Quality improvement
Reflects a health service’s commitment to continuous quality improvements in systems, processes, policies, culture, risk management and staff management.
Enhanced services
Provides opportunities to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance patient care and service experiences.
How QIP supports organisations
Tailored support
QIP has trained QIP Client Liaison Teams on hand to answer any questions clients may have about their accreditation, certification or verification. With expert knowledge of each of the standards or frameworks, evidence requirements and the self-assessment process, QIP’s Client Liaison Teams provide clients with on-going advice throughout their cycle.
QIP’s accreditation hub
The QIP accreditation hub is an online platform tailored to each client’s individual accreditation timelines and framework requirements. It includes a personalised action plan, a resource library and a number of other features to support clients throughout their accreditation journey.
Access to AccreditationPro
QIP’s online self-assessment software, known as AccreditationPro, streamlines accreditation preparation by helping clients determine their organisation’s compliance with an applicable set of Standards.
Access to online resources and education
QIP’s online Education and Resource Library, provides clients with access to a range of practical, informative and customisable resources to support organisations in complying with the relevant industry Standards.
Regular news and e-newsletters
Stay up-to-date with industry and organisational news, helpful tips and your standards information with QIP communications including periodical e-newsletters advising of any changes to processes, systems, standards or evidence requirements are released.
Highly trained assessment teams
QIP’s Assessors are highly trained and qualified peer assessors who work across the Australian health, community and human services sectors. Our team will share their knowledge and support organisations through the accreditation assessment.
Celebrating the achievement of accreditation
Achieving QIP accreditation takes dedication, team work and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. When organisations achieve their accredited, certificated or verified status, they are provided with their own 'Promotional Toolkit' filled with a number of materials to celebrate and promote this achievement.
The QIP Accredited Symbol is one way consumers and local community can be reassured that an organisation has been recognised for their commitment to delivering a safe and quality-focused service.
Register for diagnostic imaging accreditation
QIP has made it easy for diagnostic imaging services to register for accreditation. Simply complete our online registration form and a QIP team member will then be in contact to step your service through the accreditation process.