USE OF REPORTS OF PREVIOUS RADIOLOGIC STUDIES

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine t he length of time over which previous radiologic reports were useful d uring current interpretations and the types of information gathered fr om the old reports. Materials and Methods. The authors directly observ ed the use of 209 old reports by radiologists during current radiologi c interpretation. They recorded the date of the old report, modality u sed, and type of information sought. The interpreting radiologists the n rated the value of the information in the old report on a Likert sca le of 1 (high value) to 4 (minimal value). Results. In 85% of cases, t he most valuable information obtained was found in reports that were l ess than 2 years old. The most frequently sought types of information were clinical history or the previous radiologist's interpretation.Con clusion. Old reports add value to current interpretation by providing a form of ''second reading'' and providing clinical history. Two years is sufficient old report access in 85% of situations.