"Establishing guidelines to standardize ordering is the first step oral and maxillofacial surgeons can take to decrease unnecessary CT scans," researchers wrote. "Guidelines, in theory, would decrease the amount of unnecessary CT scans ordered and standardize ordering practices among providers."

Medical imaging induces an estimated 2 percent of cancers, and cost is another issue, according to the study. Patients underwent unnecessary CT scans when less costly panoramic imaging would have been more suitable, researchers wrote. A CT scan of the head and neck in the ZIP code where the study took place – Jacksonville, Fla. – costs an estimated $1,219 to $3,328 depending on whether a patient is in-network while panoramic imaging totals $135, the study states.


"It is clear there is a large potential for cost savings by ordering the appropriate radiologic imaging," researchers concluded.

The authors of "Overutilization of Computed Tomography for Odontogenic Infections" are from the University of Florida Health–Jacksonville: Ashleigh Weyh, DMD, MPH; Evan Busby, DMD; Salam O. Salman, DDS, MD; Carmen Smotherman, MS; and Shiva Gautam, PhD.

The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is published by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to present to the dental and medical communities comprehensive coverage of new techniques, important developments and innovative ideas in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Practice-applicable articles help develop the methods used to handle dentoalveolar surgery, facial injuries and deformities, TMJ disorders, oral and head and neck cancer, jaw reconstruction, anesthesia and analgesia. The journal also includes specifics on new instruments and diagnostic equipment, and modern therapeutic drugs and devices.


SOURCE American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

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