January 9, 2017 — The American College of Radiology has updated its  ACR Appropriateness Criteria to cover 227 topics with more than 1,100 clinical indications. These continuously reviewed evidence-based guidelines help healthcare providers choose the most appropriate medical imaging exam for a specific clinical condition.

 

“Use of these guidelines in exam ordering ensures that the right patient gets the right scan for the right indication and has been shown to improve quality, reduce unwarranted scans and lower imaging costs,” said E. Kent Yucel, M.D., FACR, chair of the ACR Committee on Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology Appropriateness Criteria. “The guidelines allow providers to educate themselves regarding the latest evidence-based approach to medical imaging for a given procedure without disrupting the doctor-patient relationship or delaying needed care.”  

 

The guidelines are specified appropriate use criteria (AUC) under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) legislation and are developed by expert panels of doctors from the relevant medical specialties. Developed by the American College of Radiology (ACR), which is designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a qualified Provider-Led Entity, the new release features 7 new and 19 updated diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology topics.

 

For more information about ACR Appropriateness Criteria visit the ACR website