Computerized tomographic screening--are we doing it right? I think not!

Advertising directly to asymptomatic patients and encouraging self-referral to CT centers for computed tomographic screening is a new phenomenon in radiology. This is not analogous to drug advertising that is directed to symptomatic patients and promotes medication that is FDA approved based on published medical research. CT should ideally be done for specific clinical indications after a thorough history, physical exam, and appropriate laboratory studies. CT screening--at this time--should only be done as part of an IRB-approved study protocol.