Applications of justification and optimization in medical imaging: Examples of clinical guidance for computed tomography use in emergency medicine

Paul R. Sierzenski, Otha W. Linton, E. Stephen Amis, D. Mark Courtney, Paul A. Larson, Mahadevappa Mahesh, Robert A. Novelline, Donald P. Frush, Fred A. Mettler, Julie K. Timins, Thomas S. Tenforde, John D. Boice, James A. Brink, Jerrold T. Bushberg, David A. Schauer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Availability, reliability, and technical improvements have led to continued expansion of computed tomography (CT) imaging. During a CT scan, there is substantially more exposure to ionizing radiation than with conventional radiography. This has led to questions and critical conclusions about whether the continuous growth of CT scans should be subjected to review and potentially restraints or, at a minimum, closer investigation. This is particularly pertinent to populations in emergency departments, such as children and patients who receive repeated CT scans for benign diagnoses. During the last several decades, among national medical specialty organizations, the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American College of Radiology have each formed membership working groups to consider value, access, and expedience and to promote broad acceptance of CT protocols and procedures within their disciplines. Those efforts have had positive effects on the use criteria for CT by other physician groups, health insurance carriers, regulators, and legislators.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-44
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology
Volume11
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Applications of justification and optimization in medical imaging: Examples of clinical guidance for computed tomography use in emergency medicine'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this