HealthHelp's Emergency Medicine Program to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure

Approximately one-third of all high-tech imaging performed in the United States proves medically unnecessary. Specialty benefits management provider HealthHelp announced today the launch of a new program designed to reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and to promote cost-effective treatment planning for the best possible outcome. The education-based program targets emergency departments in particular, where utilization remains high because of defensive medicine practices and a lack of standardized high-tech imaging protocols.

The Emergency Medicine Program will work to improve ordering patterns of emergency department physicians. Participants will learn more about radiation exposure and the potential harm associated with high-tech imaging, as well as about the best uses for the technology and the importance of timing in relation to patient management. The program will focus on five indications commonly handled in the emergency department.

"This program will help emergency department physicians determine the right test to order to obtain the necessary clinical information, resulting in a more accurate diagnosis that will positively impact patient management and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure," explained HealthHelp president and CEO Cherrill Farnsworth. "As with any quality/safety initiative, the reduced cost to the hospital system or health plan will result in savings."

Physicians will earn continuing medical education (CME) credits for their participation in the program.

Source: HealthHelp