Prevention and Chronic Condition Management:
Using Image Testing for Lower Back Pain Only When Appropriate
What are we measuring and why?
According to the American College of Radiology, imaging is frequently over-used in the evaluation of uncomplicated low back pain and most patients return to normal activity within a month. Ideally, physicians and patients should first explore effective options for managing back pain, including life style changes or physical therapy, instead of rushing into diagnostic technology that unnecessarily exposes patients to radiation and drives up the cost of care. This measure looks at the percent of adult patients ages 18 to 50 who did not receive an imaging test (including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs) within 28 days after being diagnosed with low back pain.
How are we doing and how do we compare to best practice?
Our practice performance in this measure ranges from 70% to 85%. Many of our practices perform favorably when compared to the Massachusetts state average of 78% and the National 90th percentile of 82%. Our practices all strive to reach and exceed these benchmarks.
What are we doing to improve?
Our physicians have access to a variety of tools to assist them in appropriate ordering of imaging tests. Our Community physicians utilize clinical decision support in the electronic health record when ordering imaging tests. Based on the patient demographic information and diagnosis, the clinical decision support provides feedback on whether or not the ordered test is appropriate.
Community physicians also have a two-pronged education approach: one directed at patients to provide education about the lifetime risk of ionizing radiation exposure from unnecessary tests; and another to educate physicians on “what tests to order when?”. Radiologists are also available for consultation regarding appropriate imaging.
Charts for Using Image Testing for Lower Back Pain Only When Appropriate
- Current Scores
- Current Scores
Using Image Testing for Lower Back Pain Only When Appropriate
Partners HealthCare Data Period: January 2010 - December 2010
Partners HealthCare Source: Partners Community HealthCare, Inc.
Mass. State Average Source: Massachusetts Health Quality Partners
National 90th Percentile Source: Massachusetts Health Quality Partners
Using Image Testing for Lower Back Pain Only When Appropriate
Partners HealthCare Data Period: January 2010 - December 2010
Partners HealthCare Source: Partners Community HealthCare, Inc.
Mass. State Average Source: Massachusetts Health Quality Partners
National 90th Percentile Source: Massachusetts Health Quality Partners