Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
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Although there has been increasing recognition of the importance of reducing radiation dose when performing multidetector CT examinations, the increasing complexity of CT scanner technology, as well as confusion about the importance of many different CT scan parameters, has served as an impediment to radiologists seeking to create lower dose protocols. The authors seek to guide radiologists through the manipulation of 8 fundamental CT scan parameters that can be altered or optimized to reduce patient radiation dose, including detector configuration, tube current, tube potential, reconstruction algorithm, patient positioning, scan range, reconstructed slice thickness, and pitch. Although there is always an inherent trade-off between image quality or noise and patient radiation dose, in many cases, a reasoned manipulation of these 8 parameters can allow the safer imaging of patients (with lower dose) while preserving diagnostic image quality.
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Recent proliferation of mobile diagnostic ultrasound (US) units and improved resolution have allowed for widespread use of US by more providers, both for diagnosis and US-guided procedures (USGP). This study aims to document recent trends in utilization for USGP in the Medicare population. ⋯ The year 2010 represents the first year that nonradiologists performed more USGP than radiologists. From 2004 to 2010, radiologists and surgeons experienced only modest growth in USGP volume, whereas several other provider types experienced more rapid growth. It is likely that many procedures that were previously performed without US guidance are now being performed with US guidance.