CASE FOR ACTIVE PHYSICIAN INVOLVEMENT IN US PRACTICE

PURPOSE: To assess the benefit of active physician involvement in ultr asound (US) examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concordance of findin gs by technologists and physicians was assessed prospectively for exam inations of 1,510 consecutive patients who underwent US during regular working hours. RESULTS: Overall concordance was generally good (74%). However, in cases in which a major or minor new diagnosis was made fr om the US scan, concordance rates were substantially lower (36% and 32 %, respectively). Agreement varied with the type of examination. The d iscordance rate for obstetric examinations (17%) was only half that fo r abdominal and pelvic examinations (31%). Concordance improved with i ncreasing years of experience of the technologist. CONCLUSION: An acti ve role of physicians in the overall conduct of US examinations is ess ential to optimize provision of a complete, accurate report.