Key result
Increases in MRI supply were associated with higher use of both low back MRI and surgery among fee-for-service Medicare patients with low back pain.
Why the study?
Does increased MRI supply increase the use of low back MRI and surgery in Medicare patients with low back pain?
Observational
Does increased MRI supply increase the use of low back MRI and surgery in Medicare patients with low back pain?
Increased availability of MRI scanners is associated with higher utilization of lumbar MRI and subsequent surgical interventions in Medicare patients.
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May encourage supply-driven overutilization in low back pain; leaves open effects of capacity limits on outcomes and value.
Shreibati et al. (2009) conducted an observational in Low back pain. MRI supply was evaluated on Use of low back MRI and surgery. Increases in MRI supply were associated with higher use of both low back MRI and surgery among fee-for-service Medicare patients with low back pain.
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