The American journal of emergency medicine
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Observational Study
Variation in advanced imaging for pediatric patients with abdominal pain discharged from the ED.
Pediatric abdominal pain visits to emergency departments (ED) are common. The objectives of this study are to assess variation in imaging (ultrasound ±computed tomography [CT]) and factors associated with isolated CT use. ⋯ There are racial and insurance disparities in imaging for pediatric abdominal pain. General EDs are less likely than pediatric EDs to use imaging, but more likely to use isolated CT. Strategies are needed to minimize disparities and improve the use of "ultrasound first."