Cranial CT (Computed Tomography) Scan Use Found Appropriate in NCHSR (National Center for Health Services Research) Study

摘要

The growing use of computed tomography (CT) in recent years has brought fears that its possible overuse is contributing to the continuing upward spiral of health care costs. This study evaluated the use of cranial computer tomography, one of the most commonly performed CT studies, and addressed the following specific research questions: (1) are there significant variations in the use of CT studies of the head among types of community and teaching hospitals and by location. (2) can discrimination algorithms be developed for the optimal use of cranial CT studies in teaching and community hospital, and (3) are improvements possible in the interpretation of CT studies of the head. Not only did the study show that CT technology is being used appropriately, but the research resulted in a new statistical technique that can reduce the number of cranial CT studies requiring 'marker dyes' by about 30 percent, thus cutting costs and reducing patient exposure to x-ray radiation.