Expedited Publication
A Multicenter Assessment of the Use of Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Myocardial Perfusion Imaging With Appropriateness Criteria

Presented as a Late Breaking Clinical Trial at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Florida, on March 29, 2009.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2009.11.004Get rights and content
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Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluation for appropriate use of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in multiple clinical sites and to determine use patterns as well as identify areas of apparent inappropriate use.

Background

Although cardiac imaging is highly valued for decision-making, the growth and expense related to these procedures has raised questions regarding overuse. The publication of appropriate use criteria (AUC), including those for MPI, were designed to provide guidance in the rational use of testing. However, limited data regarding the implementation and evaluation of AUC are available.

Methods

Six diverse clinical sites enrolled consecutive patients undergoing MPI, collecting point-of-service data entered into an online form. An automated algorithm assigned a specific indication from the AUC that was classified as appropriate, uncertain, or inappropriate. Site-specific feedback was later provided to each practice on ordering patterns.

Results

Of the 6,351 patients enrolled, 93% were successfully assigned an appropriateness level. Inappropriate use of MPI was found in 14.4% of patients, with a range of 4% to 22% among practices. Women and younger patients were more likely to undergo inappropriate MPI. Asymptomatic, low-risk patients accounted for 44.5% of inappropriate testing. Elimination of the 5 most common inappropriate use indications would reduce overall imaging volume by 13.2%. Inappropriate use by physicians from within the practice performing imaging was not greater than physicians outside of the practice. Educational feedback might have resulted in reduced inappropriate test ordering in 1 site.

Conclusions

The tracking of appropriate use is feasible in clinical practice, with an automated system that can readily identify practice patterns and targets for educational and quality improvement initiatives. This approach might provide an alternative to utilization management.

Key Words

appropriateness criteria
diagnostic testing
radionuclide imaging
SPECT

Abbreviations and Acronyms

ACCF
American College of Cardiology Foundation
AUC
appropriate use criteria
CAD
coronary artery disease
CHD
coronary heart disease
MPI
myocardial perfusion imaging
PCI
percutaneous coronary intervention
SPECT
single-photon emission computed tomography
UHC
UnitedHealthcare

Cited by (0)

Supported by grants from the American College of Cardiology Foundationand UnitedHealthcare.

Dr. Cerqueira is a consultant and on the Speakers' Bureau of GE Healthcare and Astellas Pharma, and is a consultant for Nordion. Joseph Allen is an employee of the American College of Cardiology. Neil Jensen is an employee of United HealthCare. Of note, UnitedHealthcare and its employees had involvement in this trial limited to partial financial support and in identifying candidate trial sites.