Rational use of shoulder MRI in the private setting: specialist-ordered MRIs influence clinical management significantly more often than primary care physicians

ConclusionWith less than 25% of primary care –ordered shoulder MRIs influencing clinical management, questions must be raised about the indications for MRI. Greater than 50% of referrals contained no documented physical examination, suggesting that MRI is being relied upon for assessment. If access to private MRI was to be rationalized, perh aps shoulder specialist–ordered CT and X-ray could be covered by insurance providers. Currently, they are not covered in our system, yet are more likely to influence clinical management than primary care–ordered MRIs, which are currently covered by insurance without restriction on indications.
Source: Irish Journal of Medical Science - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research