American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 134, Issue 6, 1219-1223
Copyright © 1980 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Low efficacy radiography of children
JJ Seibert,
E Bryant,
BA Lowe,
R Fiser,
A Euler,
WJ Byrne,
HB Sarnat,
J Jones,
J Redman,
RT Morrissy,
ES Golladay,
and
RW Seibert
Radiographic procedures performed at a 100-bed pediatric hospital were reviewed jointly by a radiologist and the primary physician staff. The reviewers judged several procedures to be performed unnecessarily, with undue patient risk or cost. Low efficacy examinations were divided into two categories: (1) low-yield examinations with significant gonadal radiation as well as significant cost, and (2) low-yield examinations with low gonadal radiation but significant cost. A joint policy recommendation was then delivered to the house staff concerning appropriate indications for the performance of these low-yield procedures. This active review process is submitted as a model for other medical facilities that seek to reduce risk and cost to the pediatric patient.