What triggers the charge for supplies during a diagnostic exam?

The charge for supplies during a diagnostic exam is triggered when the technologist marks the exam as ended. This step signifies the completion of the procedure from a technical standpoint, indicating that all necessary materials and supplies have been utilized. At this point, the process of billing can commence based on the resources consumed during the exam.

Marking the exam as ended ensures that all associated costs for supplies used during the procedure are documented correctly, which is essential for accurate billing and record-keeping. This clear delineation of when charges should be applied helps maintain efficiency in the billing process and ensures that the facility can track the costs associated with each examination effectively.

Other options revolve around different stages of the patient care process, but they do not specifically relate to the moment the usage of supplies is accounted for in financial terms.