Low-Value Image Ordering Is Influenced by Ownership of Imaging Equipment

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are low-value tests for patients with uncomplicated low back pain or headache without neurological or other worrisome findings. To identify clinician-specific factors that predict ordering of low-value imaging tests, researchers used a U.S. insurance claims database to evaluate more than 1 million visits for uncomplicated back pain made to more than 100,000 primary care physicians, chiropractors, and specialist physicians (e.g., orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, rheumatologists). Clinicians were deemed to own imaging equipment if they billed global or technical fees for any imaging. Analyses also were performed for nearly 1 million visits for uncomplicated headache to about 87,…