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Large-Scale Assessment of Scan-Time Variability and Multiple-Procedure Efficiency for Cross-Sectional Neuroradiological Exams in Clinical Practice

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Abstract

Scheduling of CT and MR exams requires reasonable estimates for expected scan duration. However, scan-time variability and efficiency gains from combining multiple exams are not quantitatively well characterized. In this work, we developed an informatics approach to quantify typical duration, duration variability, and multiple-procedure efficiency on a large scale, and used the approach to analyze 48,766 CT- and MR-based neuroradiological exams performed over one year. We found MR exam durations demonstrated higher absolute variability, but lower relative variability and lower multiple-procedure efficiency, compared to CT exams (p < 0.001). Our approach enables quantification of real-world operational performance and variability to inform optimal patient scheduling, efficient resource utilization, and sustainable service planning.

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Abbreviations

CPT:

Current Procedural Terminology

CT:

Computed tomography

MR:

Magnetic resonance

CTA:

Computed tomography angiography

MRA:

Magnetic resonance angiography

w:

With contrast

wo:

Without contrast

wo/w:

Without-and-with contrast

IQR:

Interquartile range

CQV:

Coefficient of quartile variation

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Ray Zhang

  2. Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 S. Kingshighway Blvd, Campus Box 8131, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA

    Vamsi R. Narra & Akash P. Kansagra

  3. Department of Neurological Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Akash P. Kansagra

  4. Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA

    Akash P. Kansagra

Authors
  1. Ray Zhang
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  2. Vamsi R. Narra
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  3. Akash P. Kansagra
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Correspondence to Akash P. Kansagra.

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Zhang, R., Narra, V.R. & Kansagra, A.P. Large-Scale Assessment of Scan-Time Variability and Multiple-Procedure Efficiency for Cross-Sectional Neuroradiological Exams in Clinical Practice. J Digit Imaging 33, 143–150 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-019-00252-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10278-019-00252-w

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