Knee MRI for osteoarthritis? Read this before ordering
September 9, 2021
The following is from a message to physicians from W.W. (Bill) Anderson, MD, FRCPC, Provincial Clinical Medical Director, Diagnostic Imaging and Peter Froese, Senior Operating Officer, Diagnostic Imaging, both of Alberta Health Services. Please ensure to read the full letter for further details.
Diagnostic Imaging is working with physicians to increase the appropriateness of referrals for the investigation of knee osteoarthritis. The collaborative efforts will ensure that MRI exams on the wait list are necessary and beneficial. Beginning October 4, in the Edmonton Zone, Diagnostic Imaging will be declining MRI knee requests for patients 55 years of age and older, that do not align with Choosing Wisely recommendations. Implementation in South and Central Zones and North Zone to follow later.
