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Unneeded diagnostic studies performed at rural trauma centers delay transfer and can result in increased healthcare costs, mortality, and morbidity. To assess factors that contribute to unnecessary testing, researchers surveyed all physicians who referred trauma patients to a single level I trauma center in Kentucky during 1 year. The survey included six agree/disagree questions concerning reasons for obtaining imaging studies before transfer, a patient scenario with a choice of one of five options for the most appropriate imaging work-up before transfer, and questions about demographics.
Of 218 mailed surveys, 143 (66%) were evaluable. Most respondents were men (91%), were certified in advanced trauma life support (ATLS; 72%), and practiced…