Neuroimaging Wisely

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Health Economics
• Medical Decision Making

Background:

• Diagnostic imaging services are rapidly expanding, raising concerns about healthcare costs among payers and agencies.
• The Choosing Wisely initiative aims to promote optimal clinical decisions regarding tests and treatments, including imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique position of radiologists in supporting the appropriate use of medical imaging.
• To review strategies for radiologists to assist referring physicians with appropriate neuroimaging orders.
• To address challenges in patient-centered imaging decisions and value-based radiology.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the Choosing Wisely initiative's recommendations related to imaging.
• Review of strategies for implementing appropriate neuroimaging ordering.
• Discussion of challenges in value-based imaging decision-making.

Main Results:

• 24 of 45 Choosing Wisely recommendations involve imaging, with 11 specific to neuroimaging.
• Appropriate imaging use is a shared responsibility between radiologists and referring physicians.
• Radiologists can implement strategies to guide appropriate neuroimaging orders.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists are crucial for promoting appropriate medical imaging utilization.
• Effective strategies and addressing implementation challenges are needed for value-based radiology.
• Collaboration between radiologists and referring physicians is essential for optimal imaging decisions.