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Radiology in family practice: experience in community practice
1Department of Family Practice and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Family Medicine
|March 1, 1988
Summary
Most family physicians have on-site x-ray facilities and interpret their own films, referring only a small percentage to radiologists for various clinical and legal reasons.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Office x-rays are frequently utilized in community practice.
- The interpretation of these diagnostic images is a key skill for family physicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the utilization and interpretation patterns of office x-rays within community family practices.
- To understand the decision-making process and influencing factors for referring x-rays to radiologists.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected from a representative sample of family physicians in Minnesota.
- Analysis of physician and practice descriptive data regarding x-ray services.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of physicians (87.3%) have on-site x-ray facilities.
- The majority of family physicians (54.2%) interpret their own x-rays, with most referring 10% or fewer films to radiologists.
- Referral decisions are influenced by clinical findings, diagnostic confirmation, medical-legal concerns, and problem seriousness.
Conclusions:
- Office x-ray interpretation is considered a fundamental skill for family physicians.
- Referral criteria are based on clinical judgment and quality of care, with liability concerns playing a role.
- Collaboration with radiologists as consultants, based on identified need, is supported.