Dr. Josyann Abisaab and ER News

It seems that CT scans on kids in Emergency Rooms might be being over-used, according to a recent study in ‘Radiology.’

Figures show that the number has increased a staggering fivefold since 1995 and this has to “raise concerns about radiation exposure.”  The huge escalation can probably be explained by advancements in CT technology, but may not justify it.  The problem is exacerbated when some radiology departments are not “consistently tailor[ing] the CT technique to the child’s size.”  Physicians need to “ensure appropriate scanning indications to minimize pediatric radiation exposure.”

Dr. Josyann Abisaab is an emergency room physician practicing at New York’s Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital.