Table 2 Summary of imaging requests from a sample of WAD claims from four NSW CTP insurers
Imaging requests | Cervical spine x-ray | Specialised imaging |
|---|---|---|
Received imaging, n(%) | N = 288 | N = 288 |
Done at the emergency department | 19 (6.6) | 9 (3.1) |
Requested by the health professional | 62 (21.5) | 132 (45.8) |
Imaging requested by, n(%)a | N = 62 | N = 132 |
General practitioner | 56 (90.3) | 100 (75.8) |
Allied health practitioner | 2 (3.2) | 1 (0.8) |
Medical specialist | 1 (1.6) | 11 (8.3) |
Other specialist | 2 (3.2) | 0 (0) |
More than one health professional | 0 (0) | 16 (12.1) |
No record | 1 (1.6) | 4 (3.0) |
Health professional justification, n(%)a | N = 62 | N = 132 |
Neck pain, tenderness, loss of motion | 22 (35.5) | 34 (25.8) |
Motor vehicle accident | 11 (17.7) | 9 (6.8) |
Exclude fracture | 4 (6.5) | 0 (0) |
Radiculopathy, numbness, paraesthesia | 2 (3.2) | 28 (21.2) |
Headache, dizziness, nausea | 1 (1.6) | 5 (3.8) |
History of other conditions, prior injury | 1 (1.6) | 3 (2.2) |
Whiplash | 1 (1.6) | 5 (3.8) |
As advised by specialist | 0 (0) | 5 (3.8) |
None cited | 20 (32.3) | 43 (32.6) |
Timeframe (days), median (IQR)a | N = 62 | N = 132 |
Time to request | 6.5 (24) | 45 (123) |
Time to receipt | 25 (34) | 54.5 (102) |