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Radiology's ethical responsibility for healthcare reform: Tempering the overutilization of medical imaging and trimming down a heavyweight
Author(s) -
Armao Diane,
Semelka Richard C.,
Elias Jorge
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of magnetic resonance imaging
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.563
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1522-2586
pISSN - 1053-1807
DOI - 10.1002/jmri.23530
Subject(s) - harm , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , modalities , medical physics , liability , health care , radiology , business , psychology , accounting , political science , sociology , social psychology , social science , law
In this review we describe the problem of overutilization of high‐cost imaging modalities, especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). The overuse of CT is numerically more dramatic and also carries with it the not insignificant risk of harm to patients, namely, induction of radiation‐induced malignancies. We report what is known of these risks in various imaging scenarios. The use of Radiology Business Managers is described as a means adopted to control overuse and the limitations of this strategy. The imperative of appropriate utilization is focused on, with emphasis placed on computer‐based medical decision support. Impediments to appropriate use, however, exist, with concerns of medicolegal liability high on the list of these issues. Finally, we recommend that radiologists take the lead in the reform process by implementing strategies such as decision support. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:512‐517. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.