A new study reveals that unnecessary medical imaging, particularly CT and MRI scans for Medicare patients, contributes significantly to climate change, emitting up to 129 metric kilotons of carbon dioxide annually. This amount is comparable to the energy usage of a town with over 70,000 residents. The research highlights that nearly 26% of imaging scans ordered for Medicare patients are deemed inappropriate, and reducing these scans could substantially lower carbon emissions and aid environmental efforts. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, emphasizes the need to minimize unnecessary imaging to protect both public health and the planet.
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:45:00 GMT | Iosco County News Herald