Who must maintain the orders for radiologic services?

Who must maintain the orders for radiologic services?

• A. The ordering physician
• B. The radiologist who interprets the images
• C. The facility where the services are performed
• D. The patient receiving the services

Answer: (C)

Maintaining orders for radiologic services is primarily the responsibility of the facility where the services are performed. This requirement is driven by regulations and standards designed to ensure proper documentation, accountability, and patient safety. The facility must keep accurate records of what services have been requested and ensure that the ordering physician's instructions are properly followed. This includes retaining copies of the orders for a specified period, which can be critical for audits, compliance checks, and any necessary follow-up care. While the ordering physician is responsible for placing the order and ensuring it reflects the patient's clinical needs, they are not tasked with maintaining those records long-term. Similarly, although the radiologist interprets the images and may create notes based on the findings, the responsibility for retaining the actual orders lies with the performing facility, as they are in charge of maintaining complete and auditable medical records. Lastly, the patient, while they may have access to their own medical records, is not responsible for the maintenance of orders in any context relating to the facility's operational standards. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the facility's role in maintaining compliance with clinical and legal requirements regarding radiologic services.

Maintaining orders for radiologic services is primarily the responsibility of the facility where the services are performed. This requirement is driven by regulations and standards designed to ensure proper documentation, accountability, and patient safety. The facility must keep accurate records of what services have been requested and ensure that the ordering physician's instructions are properly followed. This includes retaining copies of the orders for a specified period, which can be critical for audits, compliance checks, and any necessary follow-up care.

While the ordering physician is responsible for placing the order and ensuring it reflects the patient's clinical needs, they are not tasked with maintaining those records long-term. Similarly, although the radiologist interprets the images and may create notes based on the findings, the responsibility for retaining the actual orders lies with the performing facility, as they are in charge of maintaining complete and auditable medical records. Lastly, the patient, while they may have access to their own medical records, is not responsible for the maintenance of orders in any context relating to the facility's operational standards.

Therefore, the correct answer reflects the facility's role in maintaining compliance with clinical and legal requirements regarding radiologic services.