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Rationale and Objectives.
The hypotheses of this study were as follows: (a) University subspecialty radiologists can provide consultations effectively to general
radiologists as part of routine clinical operations; (b) these consultations will improve the quality of the final radiologic report; and
(c) the consultations will improve the care process and may save money, as well.
Materials and Methods.
For 2,012 consecutive computed tomographic or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies,
the initial interpretations provided by radiology generalists were subsequently reviewed
by specialists, with a final consensus report available. “Truth” was established by
final consensus reports. To control for potential bias, 150 adult MR imaging and 250
pediatric radiologic studies were interpreted initially by specialists and then by
generalists. Again, truth was established by final consensus reports.
Results.
There was disagreement between generalist and specialist radiologist interpretations
in 427 (21.2%) of the cases reviewed. These disagreements were stratified further
by independent specialists, who graded them as important, very important, or unimportant.
Differences were considered important or very important in 99% of the cases reviewed.
Conclusion.
Consultations by subspecialty radiologists improved the quality of the radiology reports
studied and, at least in some cases, improved the process of care by eliminating unnecessary
procedures or suggesting more specific follow-up examinations. The consultation services
can be provided cost-effectively from the payer's perspective and may save additional
costs when unnecessary procedures can be eliminated.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
September 9,
1999
Received in revised form:
August 11,
1999
Received:
July 8,
1999
Footnotes
*Supported by grants PO1 CA51198 and RO1 CA39063 from the National Cancer Institute.
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 the Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc.
