utilization of medical imaging in general, and is especially effective in high-tech procedures such as CT, MRI, PET, and Nuclear Cardiology.  Since its beginning, Care to Care, the youngest of the RBM companies, has seen its role as one of promoting patient welfare by reducing both wasteful radiation exposure and expense.

 

The most effective approach to consumer radiation safety is to be as sure as possible that only tests that will aid in diagnosis and treatment are performed, and that they are done by high-quality facilities and physicians who meet stringent quality guidelines.

 

The utilization management component, traditionally through a medical necessity review or prior authorization, uses evidence-based criteria to screen out procedures that are inappropriate by virtue of being redundant, not medically indicated, or mistakenly substituted for a better test.  Our criteria are designed to allow rapid assessment of requests, and a staff of radiologists is available to discuss clinical and imaging issues with requesting physicians whenever requested and always before any negative determination is made.  We are always open to suggestions from the referring physicians, and believe that they are better informed as a result of our efforts.  In essence, by promoting the choice of the proper test at the earliest opportunity, we reduce imaging cost, prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, and improve the quality of care.