The Increasing Use of Imaging Tests

According to a recent government report, the use of diagnostic imaging in emergency rooms has increased over the past few years. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that in 2007, CT, MRI, and PET scans were performed in around 14% of the total number of ER visits. The figures suggest that the number of performed imaging tests has increased four times since 1996.

The frequency of these medical imaging scans also increased to about 3% in outpatient clinics and doctors’ offices. Apart from the frequency, the report also states that more and more scanning machines are being produced nowadays as compared to the early 1990s.

These methods of testing provides a clearer picture of medical problems found inside the patient’s body. However, several health officials do question the cost as well as the safety connected to the frequency of using imaging tests.

Since there are no proper guidelines as to when these tests become necessary, Dr. Rita Redberg from the University of California says that it’s hard to tell whether the increased frequency of these tests is excessive or effective.

The bases for these deductions are the findings reported by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics in its yearly summary of US data on health behaviors, disease conditions, as well as the use of various medical services.