ACR adds more than 50 updates to new Appropriate Criteria

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has released the latest version of its ACR Appropriateness Criteria evidence-based guidelines to help physicians and other providers make the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a given clinical condition.

The college said that more than 50 topics have been updated in the past year, and the latest release includes 159 topics with more than 800 variants addressing: breast; cardiac; gastrointestinal; musculoskeletal; neurologic; pediatric; thoracic; urologic; vascular; women’s imaging; interventional radiology; and radiation oncology.

The new Appropriateness Criteria also includes updated relative radiation level (RRL) information for the imaging exams. All RRL assignments are based on reviews of the current literature and the experience of medical physicists and radiologists, the college said.

Around the web

A total of 16 cardiology practices from 12 states settled with the DOJ to resolve allegations they overbilled Medicare for imaging agents used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. 

CCTA is being utilized more and more for the diagnosis and management of suspected coronary artery disease. An international group of specialists shared their perspective on this ongoing trend.

The new technology shows early potential to make a significant impact on imaging workflows and patient care.