Do clinicians use the American College of Radiology Appropriateness criteria in the management of their patients?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the American College of Radiology (ACR) appropriateness criteria by referring physicians during decision making about imaging in the management of their patients.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a low utilization of the ACR appropriateness criteria by clinicians when ordering imaging studies for their patients. The ACR has invested a great deal of resources in these criteria and should therefore be aware of information regarding utilization. Our findings may have implications about how the ACR appropriateness criteria are reviewed, revised, and disseminated.
Bautista
Andre B
AB
Department of Radiology, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/UMDNJ, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
Burgos
Anthony
A
Nickel
Barbara J
BJ
Yoon
John J
JJ
Tilara
Amish A
AA
Amorosa
Judith K
JK
D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011871:Radiology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology