Related Experiment Videos
Chest radiography for general practitioners--a low yield investigation
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|August 1, 1983
Summary
Most chest X-rays requested by doctors are normal, with few showing significant findings. Reducing chest radiography referrals could lower costs in this specialized medical field.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Chest radiography is a common diagnostic tool used by general practitioners.
- The utility and cost-effectiveness of routine chest X-rays are subjects of ongoing evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the findings of chest radiographs requested by general practitioners.
- To assess the proportion of normal, relevant, and irrelevant abnormalities detected.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,163 chest radiographs.
- Categorization of radiographic findings into normal, apparently relevant lesion, and apparently irrelevant abnormality.
Main Results:
- 67.5% of chest radiographs were normal.
- 21% revealed an apparently relevant lesion.
- 11.5% showed an apparently irrelevant abnormality.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority of chest radiographs yield normal results.
- Referral rates for chest radiography may be excessive, suggesting potential for reduction to manage costs.