Study finds use of CT scans has nearly tripled in the last 15 years. Such
radiation exposure increases the risk of cancer. The use of CTs, MRIs and other advanced medical imaging tests has soared over
the last 15 years, according to new research that raises questions about whether
the benefits of all these scans outweigh the potential risks from radiation
exposure and costs to the healthcare system.
An examination of data from patients enrolled in six large health maintenance
organizations found that doctors ordered CT scans at a rate of 149 tests per
1,000 patients in 2010, nearly triple the rate of 52 scans per 1,000 patients in
1996. MRI
use nearly quadrupled during the period, jumping from 17 to 65 tests per 1,000
patients, according to results published in Wednesday's edition of the Journal
of the American Medical Assn.
