SENT ON BEHALF OF RON HANSON, MD

The issue of radiation safety in medical imaging is receiving significant attention in medical literature and community media. Locally, this has centered on cardiac imaging, but it is extremely important in mainstream diagnostic imaging as well.  The radiation exposure debate regarding cancer induction has implications for multiple imaging modalities, but has focused on CT because of its use for a wide variety of conditions and its widespread availability.

As diagnostic radiologists, we are highly focused on the radiation safety debate and the science behind it.  Central Oregon Radiology Association is compromised of 17 board certified, fellowship trained radiologists with a combined local experience of over 175 years of medical practice.  Our program for dealing with this issue consists of:

1. American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation of CT services
2. Continuing medical safety education programs for radiologists, technologists, and referring physicians
3. Protocols for low radiation dose imaging with audits and focus on quality improvement
4. Patient education for medical imaging test tracking
5. Using evidence-based medical guidelines (including ACR appropriateness criteria)
6. Using selected shields

Through Cascade Medical Imaging (CMI), our future plans for improving the program include:

1. Investment in developing CT technologies for dose reduction
2. Integration with electronic medical records (to limit unnecessary, repetitive tests)
3. Cumulative dose tracking
4. Automation of appropriate ordering of examinations
5. Shifting utilization toward exams without ionizing radiation

For those of you interested in the established guidelines for medical testing, the criteria may be found at www.acr.org.  If you have need, we can also provide reference materials.

We remain committed to high quality patient-centered care.  For those who need CT services, our focus is on patient safety.

Central Oregon Radiology Associates