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Imaging is overused in patients with nonspecific low back pain. To identify clinician-perceived barriers to solving this problem, researchers surveyed a random sample of Veterans Affairs (VA) physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. In the survey, a hypothetical woman with low back pain and no symptoms that would necessitate immediate imaging requested computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Participants were asked how they would respond and what factors would influence their answer.
A total of 579 clinicians (70% physicians) responded to the survey. Among the findings were the following:
Only 3% of clinicians believed the patient would benefit from CT or MRI, and 77% worried that ordering such imaging …