Interpreting Physician Exemption from Reading Exams Within 6 Month Period Immediately Prior to Qualifying

Citation:

900.12(a)(1)(iii)(B): Physicians who have interpreted or multi-read at least 240 mammographic examinations under the direct supervision of an interpreting physician in any 6-month period during the last 2 years of a diagnostic radiology residency and who become appropriately board certified at the first allowable time, as defined by an eligible certifying body, are otherwise exempt from paragraph (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.

Discussion:

“First allowable time” means the earliest time a resident physician is eligible to take the diagnostic radiology boards from an FDA designated certifying body.

Questions:

1. A radiology resident had a mammography rotation more that a year (but less than 2 years) prior to graduation from his or her residency program. During this rotation, the resident read over 400 mammographic exams under supervision over a four-month period. The resident will take the board examination one month before the end of the residency, which will be the earliest he or she is qualified to take the exam. The residency will end in June 1999. Does the resident still have to read an additional 240 mammographic examinations within a 6-month period to qualify as an interpreting physician?