Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Physician and patient characteristics affecting repeat use of abdominal ultrasound: A nationwide population-based
Dachen Chu1, Ran-Chou Chen2, Sheng-Tzu Hung3
1Community Medicine Research Center & Institute of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Surgery, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
Ultrasound is a useful and popular imaging modality. Our aim was to assess the association between the use and repeat use of abdominal ultrasound and diagnosis, physicians, and hospital characteristics according to a Taiwanese national database.
Methods:
The Taiwan National Health Insurance database contains data for approximately 22,134,270 insured individuals during 2004-2005 (>98% of the population in Taiwan). Patients who were scanned with abdominal ultrasound once or more during that period were identified. Associations between physicians, hospital characteristics, diagnoses, and repeat use of abdominal ultrasound were analyzed. Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations was used.
Results:
A total of 2,319,164 abdominal ultrasound scans were performed (approximately 6.42% of the population in Taiwan). Among these, 38.34% received repeat examinations. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that gastroenterologists [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07], male physicians, physicians younger than 40 years of age, and physicians in medical centers were more likely to use repeat abdominal ultrasound. The analysis also showed that male patients, older patients, patients with liver and biliary disease (OR = 1.17), and patients with other abdominal disease (OR = 1.37) were more likely to receive repeat abdominal ultrasound.
Conclusion:
Our study shows that the use and repeat use of abdominal ultrasound is very high and is related to diagnosis and physician and hospital characteristics.
More Related Videos
05:50Author Spotlight: Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Gastric Content Assessment and Risk Stratification in Perioperative Care
Published on: September 22, 2023
09:02Cortical Bone Assessment Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves: A Reproducibility Study in a Healthy Population
Published on: January 31, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...
01:24Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
01:17Ultrasonography
During an ultrasonography procedure, a handheld device called...
01:25Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....