HCC report supports implementation of medical imaging guidelines for physicians

The Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) recently contributed to a report produced by the Health Council of Canada (HCC) entitled “Decisions, Decisions: Family Doctors as Gatekeepers in the Use of Prescription Drugs and Diagnostic Imaging in Canada.” This report, which was released today, supports one of the CAR’s main objectives: to implement medical imaging guidelines at a national level to guide physicians in selecting the most effective diagnostic imaging exam the first time.

As many as 30% of diagnostic imaging procedures are deemed inappropriate or contribute no useful information. According to Dr. Ted Lyons, President of the CAR, “Reducing the amount of unnecessary imaging is essential in maintaining patient safety, reducing wait times, and reducing the strain on the financial and health human resources of our healthcare system.” The operational costs for diagnostic imaging in Canada now exceed an estimated $2.2 billion; reducing the amount of unnecessary tests by as little as 10% would represent a savings of $220 million to the healthcare system.

The CAR is currently redeveloping its Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines, originally produced in 2005, to reflect the ever evolving technologies and considerations surrounding these guidelines to provide physicians with this much needed support in ordering the most appropriate diagnostic imaging exam. The new guidelines are expected to be completed later this year.

Physicians are increasingly facing challenges in their workplace. Not only do they have heavier workloads, but they are also expected to keep up with copious amounts of research and new medical developments. The CAR is facilitating the use of the Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines by making them available in an electronic format through computerized clinical decision support (CCDS) systems, which can be incorporated into physicians’ daily routine when ordering diagnostic imaging tests.

As outlined in the HCC report, family physicians are considered “gatekeepers” because of their decision-making authority. Dr. Martin Reed, Chair of the CAR Guidelines Working Group, notes that “giving physicians the proper tools to select the appropriate tests is vital in ensuring all Canadians receive the highest quality of care.” The CAR will continue to provide support and cutting edge information to help physicians make the most effective choices, and in turn, help patients get the care they need more efficiently.