An algorithmic approach to the roentgenographic evaluation of head trauma: medical and financial implications.
An algorithm was devised for the evaluation of patients with acute head trauma. The effectiveness of this strategy was tested with a retrospective chart review of 608 patients seen in a community hospital emergency room. The results of the algorithmic approach were compared to the original management of the patients. A financial savings of 65% was achieved and no significant intracranial pathology was missed using this approach.
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D011859:Radiography / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data