Seetharam C. Chadalavada MD, MS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tessa S. Cook MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Caroline Sloan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Darco Lalevic, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Curtis P. Langlotz MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Shareholder, Montage Healthcare Solutions, Inc Advisory Board, Reed Elsevier Advisory Board, Activate Networks, Inc Spouse, Consultant, Johnson & Johnson

Mitchell Dennis Schnall MD, PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Hanna Maryam Zafar MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Our experience in developing a standardized lexicon for abdominal follow-up recommendations has been greatly shaped by the feedback of referring providers. Most referring providers prefer detailed follow-up recommendations when appropriate, but patients would also greatly benefit from an automated system to ensure follow-up occurs appropriately.

Although free-text reports allow radiologists to customize reports, they introduce variability in the presence and content of follow-up recommendations, which may create confusion. Our objective was to understand referring provider preference for the communication of follow-up recommendations of non-emergent actionable findings on abdominal imaging using a standardized reporting lexicon.

We conducted a survey of all potential providers referring patients to abdominal imaging using an online survey software (Qualtrics). Among 433 referring providers 79 (18%) responded to the survey. 40 (51%) were female, 50 (63%) worked in a primarily outpatient/clinic based practice, and 61 (77%) providers had more than 5 years of clinical practice experience. Forty eight (65%) providers preferred recommendation for follow-up within the report, 2 (3%) selected never and 3 (4%) rarely. 63 (86%) providers desired both a modality and time interval for follow-up within the recommendations. Forty-two 42 (63%) providers indicated that the decision to not follow-up a recommendation is due to patient prognosis, while 26 (39%) stated it is based on patient preference. Twenty seven (37%) providers indicated they had no system in place for monitoring completion of follow-up and 9 (12%) indicated dedicated office personnel assigned to this task. Preferred means of communicating actionable findings were phone call (39, 53%), email (33, 45%), and electronic medical record message (27, 36%). 

Most providers desire recommendations for follow-up that include a specific modality and time interval. The decision to not pursue recommended follow-up is on clinical basis, often made based on patient prognosis. Most referring providers do not have an effective mechanism to ensure completion of follow-up recommendations.

Chadalavada, S, Cook, T, Sloan, C, Lalevic, D, Langlotz, C, Schnall, M, Zafar, H, To Call or Not to Call? Referring Providers’ Preferences on Communication of Non-Emergent Actionable Findings.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14016701.html