The use of advanced imaging, such as X-ray, CT, and MRI, has significantly increased in emergency departments (EDs), according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology. The study, conducted at two trauma centers in southeast Michigan, found that imaging volumes per ED encounter rose by 5.5% for X-ray, 35.5% for CT, and 56.3% for MRI over an eight-year period ending in 2021. Even at a lower acuity trauma center, there was a substantial increase in imaging use. The study suggests that there will continue to be a rising demand for advanced imaging interpretation in EDs, and radiology departments should prepare for this increased work demand. Despite the overall increase in imaging utilization, there was a decrease in ultrasound use at the level 1 trauma center and a decrease in radiography at the level 3 center. The study also found that there was a significant increase in computed tomography angiography (CTA) use, likely due to the implementation of a "CTA for all" policy to improve large vessel occlusion detection in acute stroke patients. In contrast, MR angiography head and neck imaging volumes decreased, possibly due to the shift towards CTA. The study indicates that the surge in imaging utilization is not solely driven by increased patient volumes and suggests that factors such as demand for rapid turnover, fear of malpractice litigation, and bypassing preauthorization requirements for advanced imaging may be contributing to the increase. Further research is needed to evaluate differences in ordering practices, patient demographics, and patient presentations to better understand trends in ED imaging utilization.
Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:15:56 GMT | Radiology Business