Family physician referral rates for lumbar spine computed tomography in Newfoundland and Labrador: a cross-sectional analysis using routinely collected data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Reducing computed tomography (CT) examinations of the lumbar spine is one of Choosing Wisely Canada's initial top 10 recommendations. This study's objective was to report the age- and-sex standardized rates of lumbar spine CT ordered by family physicians in 1 health region in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study using local health data from Meditech, an electronic health record system, from 2013 to 2016 for the Eastern Health Region of Newfoundland and Labrador, the largest health region in the province. Records were included if the referral was for an adult aged 20 years or more, and CT was ordered by a family physician. Lumbar spine CT rates were contextualized with age- and sex-stratified estimates. Population estimates were pro

SUBMITTER: Logan GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6996032 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jan-Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature