How To Order The Radiology Study That Bests Answers The Clinical Question

OVERVIEW

When trying to order radiology studies there are often many options to choose from, and it can be challenging as a provider to feel like you are making the right choice each time. This guide has been put together to quickly explain (based upon the clinical concern/question) what imaging study should be ordered.

As a provider sometimes the ordering options for radiology may not be so obvious. This page aims to make it more clear as to what imaging study will best answer the clinical question (image source).
STUDIES TO ORDER BASED UPON CHIEF COMPLAINTS

This section organizes chief complaints with the best imaging study (studies) that should be ordered for further workup.

  • Abdominal pain (generalized, unclear etiology): CT of the abdomen and pelvis
STUIDES TO ORDER BASED UPON PHYSICAL EXAM FINDINGS

This section organizes physical exam findings with the best imaging study (studies) that should be ordered for further workup.

STUDIES  TO ORDER BASED UPON SPECIFIC DIAGNOSIS 

This section organizes specific diagnosis with the best imaging study (studies) that will best confirm/rule out the suspected diagnosis. 

STUDIES  TO ORDER BASED UPON SPECIFIC CLINICAL QUESTIONS

This section organizes specific clinical questions with the best imaging study (studies) that should be ordered for further workup.

  • Does this patient have bladder injury? CT cystogram