Investigator:
Paul G. Shekelle, MD, PhD
Contributing Investigators:
Caroline Lubick Goldzweig, MD, MS;
Greg Orshansky, MD;
Neil M. Paige, MD, MSHS;
Brett A. Ewing, MS
Download PDF: Complete Report, Executive Summary, Report, Appendices
There are widespread concerns within Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and in non-VA US healthcare that the costs of healthcare are rising at unsustainable rates. One driver of cost is the increasing use of radiology imaging procedures, particularly advanced imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT angiography. Most authorities agree that more appropriate use of certain imaging tests could both improve quality and save costs.
The recognition that more appropriate use of imaging could improve quality and reduce costs has led to the development of interventions to encourage more appropriate radiology utilization. Some of these interventions have made use of the clinical decision support capabilities of electronic health records (EHR). VA has been a leader in the use of electronic health records and clinical decision support.
In recognition of the risks and costs associated with inappropriate imaging, VA leadership has requested an evidence synthesis which evaluates studied methods for reducing inappropriate imaging that center around the electronic health record (EHR).
