[The benefits of diagnostic imaging in general practice]

Diagnostic imaging provides great benefits to general practitioners in the diagnosis of a number of diseases. However, their employment involves a large use of resources and exposure to radiation. We estimate the value of the diagnostic imaging examinations most frequently used by general practitioners and seek to evaluate their role in the primary health care system.

All patient files in a single-doctor general practice were retrospectively reviewed in regard to the results of electronically accessible diagnostic imaging examinations. 396 cases were characterised by indication, diagnosis and clinical consequences of the examination.

The examinations were divided into five groups of specific examinations and one group of miscellaneous examinations. 7.5% of 93 radiographic examinations of the thorax resulted in clinical intervention. The equivalent figures for radiographic examinations of the thoracic and lumbar spine were 26.7% of 45, of the knees 30.8% of 39, of the hips 3.2% of 31 and of abdominal ultrasound scan 20.4% of 49, respectively.

We discuss the value of the most common diagnostic imaging examinations used in the primary health care system. We conclude that patients in our practice are given radiographic examinations of the thorax and hips relatively infrequently, while radiographic examinations of the thoracic and lumbar spine and abdominal ultrasound scans are done more frequently and more often result in clinical intervention.