Abstract
An analysis of the use of direct access to radiology by 71 general practitioners in Scotland is described and is based on 2,596 x-ray examinations in 2,409 patients during a period of six months. Almost half of the patients had to travel more than five miles for their examinations, but time lost in travelling was a much less important factor than the interval elapsing before the requested examination was completed. Nearly one third waited at least two weeks. Referral for diagnosis was by far the commonest reason and direct access was estimated to save 270 hospital outpatient appointments per month. I believe that general practitioners under-use rather than abuse radiology, which might be extended by a selective system of appointments.
Full text
PDF
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Cook P. L. Experiences in the first year of an "open door" x-ray department. Br Med J. 1966 Aug 6;2(5509):351–354. doi: 10.1136/bmj.2.5509.351. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Davis R. H., Williams J. E. X-ray unit for general practitioners. Br Med J. 1968 Feb 24;1(5590):502–504. doi: 10.1136/bmj.1.5590.502. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Mair W. J., Berkeley J. S., Gillanders L. A., Allen W. M. Use of radiological facilities by general practitioners. Br Med J. 1974 Sep 21;3(5933):732–734. doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5933.732. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Wallace B. B., Millward D., Parsons A. S., Davis R. H. Unrestricted access by general practitioners to a department of diagnostic radiology. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1973 May;23(130):337–343. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]