Dear X-Ray Insider,
While much of the news we cover at AuntMinnie.com involves new and ever-evolving uses of medical imaging technology, many readers may be looking for opportunities to reduce inappropriate imaging use. And one modality that comes up often as a potential target is x-ray.
There are a few good reasons for targeting radiography. For one thing, studies have found that x-rays are often unnecessary in some diagnostic scenarios where they are commonly ordered. Physicians may even treat x-rays like the water service at a restaurant: it’s an inexpensive way to attend to the customers while they wait.
Also, as reiterated by an outpatient imaging facility in a presentation at the 2003 RSNA meeting, x-rays often cost more than they're "reimbursed." X-rays performed for inpatients under Medicare’s DRG payment scheme come right off a hospital’s bottom line.
Thus, the notion that many inpatient chest films could be replaced with even cheaper electrocardiograms -- as described in a story now available only to you as an X-Ray Radiology Insider -- is a provocative one.
Money isn’t the only issue, of course. Cardiologist Dr. John Madias claims that using intracardiac ECGs would also be faster, easier, and more appropriate than radiography for confirming the placement of central venous catheters in many patients. But implementing such an approach would require a radical cultural shift for most facilities. Click here to read more.
Is it possible to prompt such a change in the habits of your ordering physicians? If you try a low-key approach like e-mailing them a copy of this article, let me know what sort of response you receive.
Also, please let your cardiology colleagues know about the new Cardiac Imaging Digital Community that AuntMinnie.com launched today. As manager of both the X-Ray and Cardiac Imaging Digital Communities, I look forward to receiving your story suggestions and feedback.
