ACR appropriateness guidelines revised, expanded
The American College of Radiology has updated its guidelines on imaging appropriateness for hundreds of diagnostic, interventional and radiation-oncology scenarios. This latest edition of ACR Appropriateness Criteria covers several topics new to the digital publication, including suspected thoracic aortic aneurysm, tinnitus and radiologic management of central venous access.
It also presents newly revised topics such as breast cancer screening, chronic liver disease and imaging for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Topics are explicated with narrative descriptions and rating tables, as well as evidence aids and literature search summaries.
Diagnostic imaging topics now cover 1,570 clinical scenarios, ACR says in announcing the update.
“These evidence-based guidelines define practice principles to ensure high-quality outcomes and patient safety,” Frank Rybicki, MD, PhD, says in the announcement. “Using them encourages the proper choice of radiologic procedures to reduce both practice variation and performance of unwarranted procedures.”
ACR notes the guidelines are specified appropriate use criteria (AUC) under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) legislation.
For more information plus links to guidelines, click here.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.