Clinical appropriateness of MRIs update

Hip (osteoarthritis) and shoulder (chronic or non‑traumatic shoulder pain) MRI referrals for patients aged 55 and up are now part of the existing, expanded process for reviewing clinical appropriateness.

Acute Care Alberta expanded the existing appropriateness initiative in alignment with Choosing Wisely Canada guidelines to support evidence-based diagnostic testing and ensure imaging is necessary and beneficial to the patient’s outcomes.

An examination may be declined when a request does not align with the guidelines, and the referring provider will be notified.

If imaging is expected to meaningfully inform care in the individual patient’s context, you can provide additional clinical details, and the referral can be reconsidered.

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