The American College of Radiology (ACR) has updated evidence-based guidelines to help healthcare providers choose the most appropriate medical imaging exam or radiation therapy for a patient’s clinical condition via the latest version of its Appropriateness Criteria.

In the latest version, the ACR updated 23 appropriateness criteria topics and added four new criteria—Pulmonary Hypertension; Renal Transplant Dysfunction; Management of Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva; and Treatment of Stage I T1 Glottic Cancer. ACR Appropriateness Criteria guide physicians when ordering exams and help ensure that patients get the right scan or therapy for the right indication. The criteria have been shown to improve quality, reduce unnecessary exams and lower costs, according to the ACR. 

ACR Appropriateness Criteria provide a tool for more effective clinical decision making to help ensure that imaging is neither over- nor underutilized. The guidelines are developed by expert panels in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and radiation oncology. Each panel includes leaders in radiology and other specialties.