We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

MedImaging

Download Mobile App
Recent News Radiography MRI Ultrasound Nuclear Medicine General/Advanced Imaging Imaging IT Industry News

Radiologists Polled on Overuse of Imaging Tests

By MedImaging International staff writers
Posted on 16 Sep 2009
The reasons behind the unnecessary overuse of radiologic imaging tests have recently been investigated by Norwegian researchers, who polled 374 radiologists about their perspective on the causes of increasing and unnecessary use of radiologic investigations.

Drs. Kristin Lysdahl and Bjørn Hofmann, from the University of Oslo (Norway), sent a questionnaire to radiologist members of the Norwegian Medical Association asking them about potential causes of increased investigation volume and unnecessary investigations. Dr. Lysdahl said, "Over-utilization implies wasteful investigations, such as those whose results are unlikely to affect patient management. Because some investigations carry risks from radiation exposure and many can be expensive to the health service, it is important to limit their excessive use.”

The researchers published their data September 2009 in the open access journal BMC Health Services. The five highest scored causes of increased use were: increased possibilities due to new radiologic technology; patients' increased demands for certain knowledge about their own health; referring physicians' lower tolerance for uncertainty; expanded clinical indications for radiology; and increased availability of radiologic equipment and personnel.

The authors concluded, "Patients have become better informed about their rights, and they appear increasingly demanding of investigative procedures.”

Related Links:
University of Oslo




Digital Intelligent Ferromagnetic Detector
Digital Ferromagnetic Detector
New
High-Precision QA Tool
DEXA Phantom
Ultrasound Imaging System
P12 Elite
Wall Fixtures
MRI SERIES

Latest General/Advanced Imaging News

CT Colonography Beats Stool DNA Testing for Colon Cancer Screening
16 Sep 2009  |   General/Advanced Imaging

First-Of-Its-Kind Wearable Device Offers Revolutionary Alternative to CT Scans
16 Sep 2009  |   General/Advanced Imaging

AI-Based CT Scan Analysis Predicts Early-Stage Kidney Damage Due to Cancer Treatments
16 Sep 2009  |   General/Advanced Imaging