Clinical utility of chest roentgenograms

Because chest roentgenograms are the most common radiological procedure, th ey represent a considerable use of resources. Because the usefulness of che st-radiography is frequently disputed, it is mandatory to investigate wheth er or not this use of resources can be defended in terms of clinical utilit y. The current study was performed as an outcome analysis to assess the cli nical utility of chest radiography for monitoring patients in general pract ice (GP). One year of chest radiography referrals from a municipality pract ice, comprising a total of 55 patients, were prospectively studied. Prior t o the referrals, questionnaires were filled in with indications and expecte d results. After the examination, the radiological results were assessed re garding clinical utility. All 55 patients were carefully monitored by the s ame GP. The most frequent reason for referral was infectious disease. Only in 5 patients was the radiology report without value. In the 29 patients wi th a negative report, it was considered of value. In 7 of these 29 patients the ongoing treatment was altered. The subjective value of the radiology r eports were considered to be high. The clinical utility was good, both when receiving positive and negative answers. Of special interest was the negat ive answers as 7 patients actually changed treatment. The clinical utility was considered high enough to justify the costs. Good access to radiology f or GPs is both cost-saving and cost-effective.