ACR Adds Nine New Topics to Imaging Appropriateness Criteria

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has added nine new topics to its appropriateness criteria (ACR AC). Among the conditions included in the new additions is Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Introduced in 1993, the ACR AC provides guidance which is developed and reviewed annually by expert panels in diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology, with the goal of helping referring providers avoid ordering unnecessary imaging exams. All topics include a narrative, evidence table and literature search summary.

With the newest additions, the criteria now includes 233 diagnostic and interventional radiology topics with more than 1,100 clinical variations covering more than 3,000 clinical scenarios.

“These updates to the ACR Appropriateness Criteria will assist referring physicians and other providers make the most appropriate imaging or treatment decisions for specific clinical conditions,” Mark E. Lockhart, MD, chair of the college committee dedicated to this topic, said in an Oct. 10 announcement.