Noninvasive imaging has increased

Grader A: hit

Noninvasive imaging use grew sharply. In six large US health systems, CT use tripled from 52 to 149 per 1,000 enrollees (1996-2010), MRI quadrupled and ultrasound nearly doubled.

Test: Growth test: CT +187%, MRI +282% per enrollee 1996-2010.

• Use of Diagnostic Imaging Studies and Associated Radiation Exposure, 1996-2010 (Smith-Bindman et al.) (2012): CT 52 to 149 per 1,000 enrollees; MRI 17 to 65; ultrasound 134 to 230 (1996-2010).

Grader B: hit

In six large US integrated health systems, CT use rose from 52 to 149 per 1,000 enrollees from 1996 to 2010. MRI rose from 17 to 65 per 1,000, ultrasound from 134 to 230 per 1,000, and PET grew 57% a year after 2004. Noninvasive imaging use increased substantially.

Test: Numeric/directional test: substantial increase in noninvasive imaging. CT: +187% (52 to 149 per 1,000) from 1996 to 2010; MRI: +282% (17 to 65 per 1,000).

• Use of diagnostic imaging studies and associated radiation exposure, 1996-2010 (Smith-Bindman et al., JAMA) (2012-06-13): CT 52 to 149 per 1,000 enrollees (7.8% a year); MRI 17 to 65 per 1,000 (10% a year); ultrasound 134 to 230 per 1,000, from 1996 to 2010.