ACR publishes updates to appropriateness criteria
The American College of Radiology (ACR) has added four new topics and 15 revised topics to the ACR Appropriateness Criteria.
The four new topics explore major blunt trauma, pancreatic cysts, pneumonia in immunocompetent children and suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Revised topics include dementia, female infertility, hemoptysis and more.
“As we approach Jan. 1, 2020—when the Protecting Access to Medicare Act’s requirements that referring providers consult appropriate use criteria prior to ordering advanced diagnostic imaging services takes effect—these evidence-based guidelines are especially critical to ensuring our patients get the right care for their medical conditions and avoid unnecessary care,” Frank J. Rybicki, MD, PhD, chair of the ACR Committee on Appropriateness Criteria, said in a prepared statement.
The ACR Appropriateness Criteria covers 189 topics overall, touching on more than 1,600 different clinical scenarios. More information is available on the ACR website.
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.