Do Clinicians Use the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria in the Management of Their Patients?

Andre B. Bautista, Anthony Burgos Barbara J. Nickel John J. Yoon Amish A.Tilara Judith K. Amorosa

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the American Col�lege of Radiology (ACR) appropriateness criteria by referring physicians during decision making about imaging in the management of their patients.

CONCLUSION. There is a low utilization of the ACR appropriateness criteria by cli�nicians when ordering imaging studies for their patients. The ACR has invested a great deal of resources in these criteria and should therefore be aware of information regarding utiliza�tion. Our findings may have implications about how the ACR appropriateness criteria are re�viewed, revised, and disseminated.