Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Gratuitous MRI Exemplifies Healthcare Waste

MRI Unnecessary for Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the Knee

A new study released today at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting, found that patients seeking treatment for arthritic knees should be given a weight-bearing X-ray before following up with more expensive MRI.

“MRIs are being used in excess. Many doctors no longer talk to or examine their patients. Instead, they are going right for the technology,” said the study’s lead author Dr. Wayne Goldstein, a professor of orthopedics at the University of Illinois.

source: OneMedPlace

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