Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
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Patients with prior allergic reactions to iodinated contrast require premedication. This study aimed to increase the homogeneity of premedication orders in such patients. ⋯ The homogeneity of premedication regimens significantly increased after the alert's launch. However, the proportion of patients with no premedication did not significantly change.
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The Internet provides a potentially valuable mechanism for radiology practices to communicate with patients and enhance the patient experience. The aim of this study was to assess the websites of US radiology private practices, with attention to the frequency of content of potential patient interest. ⋯ Radiology practices' websites most frequently provided information regarding their radiologists' credentials, as well as billing and payment options. Information regarding quality, safety, and the examination experience, as well as non-payment-related online functionality, was less common. These findings regarding the most common deficiencies may be useful for radiology practices in expanding their websites' content, thereby improving communication and potentially the patient experience.
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To evaluate characteristics of nonresearch industry payments to radiologists and associations with regional diagnostic imaging utilization. ⋯ In 2014, only a small minority of United States radiologists received nonresearch payments from industry. At the state level, medical imaging utilization does not seem to be influenced by such financial relationships.
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The burden of lung cancer in the United States is staggering, with more Americans dying from lung cancer than the next four most common cancers combined. With endorsement of lung cancer screening by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and reimbursement by CMS, the number screened for lung cancer with low-dose CT (LDCT) is anticipated to rise in the near future. ⋯ Among our predominately community-based sample of facilities, we found variation in lung cancer screening guideline usage, number of patients screened, and tracking methods.
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The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of CT studies performed in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital that are not indicated by Canadian CT Head Rule (CCHR) guidelines and to analyze factors that contribute to unnecessary examinations. ⋯ Overuse of CT examinations for minor head injuries was demonstrated, especially in young patients, with an excess of 37.3%. Contributing factors are referring physician specialty and injury mechanism. Analysis of overuse causes can be implemented for education programs and for computerized referring protocols.