A multicenter assessment of the use of single-photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging with appropriateness criteria.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluation for appropriate use of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in multiple clinical sites and to determine use patterns as well as identify areas of apparent inappropriate use.


BACKGROUND
Although cardiac imaging is highly valued for decision-making, the growth and expense related to these procedures has raised questions regarding overuse. The publication of appropriate use criteria (AUC), including those for MPI, were designed to provide guidance in the rational use of testing. However, limited data regarding the implementation and evaluation of AUC are available.


METHODS
Six diverse clinical sites enrolled consecutive patients undergoing MPI, collecting point-of-service data entered into an online form. An automated algorithm assigned a specific indication from the AUC that was classified as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate. Site-specific feedback was later provided to each practice on ordering patterns.


RESULTS
Of the 6,351 patients enrolled, 93% were successfully assigned an appropriateness level. Inappropriate use of MPI was found in 14.4% of patients, with a range of 4% to 22% among practices. Women and younger patients were more likely to undergo inappropriate MPI. Asymptomatic, low-risk patients accounted for 44.5% of inappropriate testing. Elimination of the 5 most common inappropriate use indications would reduce overall imaging volume by 13.2%. Inappropriate use by physicians from within the practice performing imaging was not greater than physicians outside of the practice. Educational feedback might have resulted in reduced inappropriate test ordering in 1 site.


CONCLUSIONS
The tracking of appropriate use is feasible in clinical practice, with an automated system that can readily identify practice patterns and targets for educational and quality improvement initiatives. This approach might provide an alternative to utilization management.
Hendel
Robert C
RC
Midwest Heart Specialists, Winfield, Illinois, USA. rhendel.cardio@yahoo.com
Cerqueira
Manuel
M
Douglas
Pamela S
PS
Caruth
Karen C
KC
Allen
Joseph M
JM
Jensen
Neil C
NC
Pan
Wenqin
W
Brindis
Ralph
R
Wolk
Michael
M
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055414:Myocardial Perfusion Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012307:Risk Factors; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*