[AlaskaAngel]

Sarah,

Part of the problem is the specialization of medical care, and the emphasis on precautionary over-treatment as a rule.

Radiologists report the facts as they see them to the best of their ability and make recommendations about repeat exams based only on the exam they were asked to do. The decision-making with the patient is done by the patient's NPs or other providers, who have a more limited idea of just how much radiation is involved and no accurate count as to how much a patient has already had, for making their recommendations.

Radiation departments also are notorious for being backbone money-makers for institutions, and the bean counters like that.

I think concerns are being voiced by reputable large radiology programs. I just think they need more pressure from consumer groups and pressure for such sources as ASCO to be more proactive about publishing standards and guidelines for using computer technology to start keeping counts.