Magnitude and financial implications of inappropriate diagnostic imaging for three common clinical conditions

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the level of adherence to imaging guidelines for three common clinical indications for a commercially insured population. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of administrative claims data for commercially insured individuals with diagnostic imaging claims (MRI and X-ray) for either uncomplicated low back pain, non-traumatic knee pain or non-traumatic shoulder pain. SETTING: The State of Massachusetts for 2010 and 2013. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with no chronic conditions and without evidence of prior management in the 12 months preceding to the initial office visit for each of the clinical indications. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Imaging procedures performed within 30 days of the initial office visit were classified as appropriate or inappropriate according to adherence to imaging guidelines from American College of Radiology. RESULTS: More than 60% of lumbar spine MRI's were deemed inappropriate in 2010 and in 2013. Over 30% of MRI's for shoulder pain and knee pain were inappropriate in 2010 and in 2013. Patients age 18-59 with inappropriate imaging claims had significantly lower rates of surgical procedures within 90 days of imaging than those with appropriate imaging. Inappropriate imaging accounted for over 20% of annual imaging costs for the three clinical indications. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing inappropriate imaging procedures can lead to substantial savings through the elimination of unnecessary and low value procedures. Increased awareness of and adherence to best practice guidelines should be a focus of efforts to cut waste in our healthcare system.