Introduction

Understanding the most appropriate imaging study to evaluate a symptom or disease is a cornerstone of quality patient care. This educational exercise is based upon the American College of Radiology’s Appropriateness Criteria® and is designed for radiologists, radiology residents, and referring physicians as a way to learn the most appropriate imaging strategies, thereby promoting cost-effective practice. In addition, relative radiation exposure of, and contraindications to, different studies are addressed, as patient safety is clearly part of any patient imaging algorithm.
This educational activity was developed jointly by the American College of Radiology and the Association of Program Directors in Radiology.

Radiologists

For practicing radiologists, self-assessment modules (SAM) in non-interpretive skills are required for those enrolled in maintenance of certification (MOC). This learning module fulfills those requirements.

Residents

For radiology residents, demonstrating an understanding of cost-effective imaging practice is part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s (ACGME) requirements for being competent in systems-based practice.

Refering Physicians

For non-radiologists, this learning module provides a practical education in some of the most commonly encountered clinical scenarios that require a choice of imaging modality.


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