ADDED VALUE OF RADIOLOGIST CONSULTATION TO FAMILY PRACTITIONERS IN THE OUTPATIENT SETTING

PURPOSE: To measure the added value of a radiologist's consultation to the interpretation of radiographs previously read by a family practit ioner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors reviewed 1,674 chest and ext remity radiographs previously read by a family practitioner and consul ting radiologist. The 196 radiographs in which there was a discrepancy between the family practitioner's and radiologist's report were evalu ated by a radiologist and family physician not involved in and blinded to the original interpretations. The overall accuracy of the particip ants was determined and differences statistically quantified. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of the radiologists was greater than that of the family practitioners (92% vs 86%); specificity was not significant ly different. For extremity examinations, there were no significant di fferences in accuracy of the radiologists and family practitioners; th e sensitivity of radiologists for chest studies was considerably great er (89% vs 80%). Radiologic consultation was of particular value in th e detection of pneumonia and masses. CONCLUSION: At a family practice tenter, the radiologist's role for extremity radiographs might be limi ted to individual consultation, with review of all chest radiographs.