Study: MRIs Linked to Unnecessary Surgeries

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- According to new research, patients reporting new low-back pain are more likely to undergo surgery if treated in an area with a higher-than-average concentration of MRI machines.

Previous studies have found increased surgery rates don't improve patient outcomes. 

"The worry is that many people will not benefit from the surgery, so heading in this direction is concerning," senior author Laurence Baker, PhD, professor of health research and policy at Stanford University School of Medicine was quoted as saying.

"It is important that policymakers recognize that infrastructure matters, and that the number of MRI machines in any particular area may affect the volume and quality of health care that patients receive, " Jacqueline Baras, a Stanford medical student was quoted as saying.

Low-back pain was the fifth most common reason for Americans to visit a physician. Physicians who give patients MRIs can visualize the body's the problem area and eliminate specific causes for the pain. Researchers are concerned about doctors detecting anomalies unrelated to back-pain, therefore performing unnecessary surgeries that don't help the patient. Researchers say MRIs may waste money and cause unnecessary surgeries.

The study analyzed records from patients who received treatment for their lower back, and compared the data to the number of MRI machines in their area. Areas were divided by level of MRI availability, and the rates of MRI scans and surgeries were determined.

Researchers correlated areas with a high number of MRI machines to high use of MRIs on lower-back pain patients and an increased number of lower-back surgeries.

Each MRI machine costs over $2 million dollars, and each low-back scan costs $1,500. Researchers conclude that high numbers of MRI machines mean increased medical costs and increased risks of unnecessary surgery. 

SOURCE: Health Affairs, October 14, 2009

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