Decision support for radiologist report recommendations

摘要

The past 2 decades have seen a remarkable increase in the capabilities, utilization, and cost burden of medical imaging [1-6]. This increase in demand for diagnostic imaging has put imaging in the spotlight as a target for cuts in reimbursement [1-7]. Much of the growth in imaging utilization is clearly beneficial to medical practice and increased quality of care [8]. However, we are also facing a challenge from some referring physicians who regard recommendations for additional imaging made by radiologists in their official reports as a form of "self-referral" [9]. Also, some physicians challenge radiologist recommendations on the grounds that they feel that such recommendations increase their risk for medical liability if they go unheeded [10]. Specialists often feel they know better than radiologists about what fo do next and resent being pressured to act through the recommendation process.