CT scans (computed tomography) increased by more than 300 percent in emergency rooms between 1996 and 2007. Scans performed in emergency rooms account for one-quarter of all CT scans. The increase came mostly for those complaining of abdominal pain, chest pain and shortness of breath.
CT scans provide a lot of information quickly. A 2010 study showed that patients with abdominal pain express more confidence in their medical treatment if it includes a scan.
During the same time period, 1996-2007, the rate of post-scan hospitalizations dropped by more than half, from 26 percent to 12 percent.While the studies' authors laud this outcome, they also caution patients to question whether the tests are necessary as they carry some risks of radiation exposure
These results were published in the August online version of "Annals of Emergency Medicine".
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