Interpretation of echocardiographic data: are physicians and sonographers violating the law?

When a sonographer renders diagnostic interpretations from echocardiographic data, the possibility exists that state statutes concerning the unauthorized practice of medicine may be violated. Problems likely exist in this regard when the sonographer renders such interpretations without proper physician interaction or when the physician delegates such responsibilities to the sonographer. In such situations the physician may be guilty of aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of medicine. Such practices may also violate various reimbursement rules and policies. Given such a situation, even the rendering of preliminary results by sonographers without appropriate supervision by the physician may be in violation of various state statutes and rules governing reimbursement procedures.