High Radiation Imaging Procedures Increasing in Pediatric Imaging

Thanh Le | | Radiology Business | Business Intelligence
High radiation scans are becoming more frequent in pediatric imaging, according to a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The study, which was conducted by the University of California, San Diego, in conjunction with Rady’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s Physicians Medical Group, examined diagnostic imaging procedure (DIP) insurance claims from 2001 to 2009 using associated International Classification of Diseases codes. With data from 214,538 DIPs performed on 63,116 children, the study concluded that performance of CT, MRI, ultrasound, and radiography had increased significantly over the study period. The most common reasons for high radiation DIPs were abdominal pain, headache and head injury. Patients with gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms and congenital conditions were subject to higher radiation DIPs, particularly in inpatient and emergency department settings. To read the full study, click here.

Thanh Le

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