Value-based radiology in thoracic imaging

Abstract

Based on seven case scenarios encompassing nearly 20 common clinical questions in chest radiology the added value achieved through expertise input is demonstrated. The scenarios address situations where thoracic MRI can clearly improve patient outcomes through avoidance of surgical thymectomy once a nonsurgical lesion is depicted, or the added value in reducing avoidable radiation exposure and improving patient safety and healthcare quality when choosing the best protocol for cancer staging and follow-up with chest CT. Also, scenarios where the radiologist can add value, mainly through helping to reduce redundancy or unnecessary imaging, that is, in the end reducing the final healthcare costs, such as the reduction of daily chest imaging in the ICU and tailored chest imaging in the preoperative setting or in blunt thoracic trauma without risk factors, are exemplified.