BACKGROUND CONTEXT An important step in improving spinal care is understanding how
current health-care resources and associated cost are being utilized and distributed across …

Background Questions about the appropriateness of medical imaging exams, particularly
related to magnetic resonance exams, have arisen in recent years. However, the prevalence …

Purpose In 2012, the Ontario government attempted to reduce inappropriate lumbar MRI
referrals through guideline and decision-aid distributions to physicians as well as threats of …

Background The Inter-professional Spine Assessment and Education Clinics (ISAEC) were
developed to improve primary care assessment, education and management of patients with …

Introduction: Jurisdictions are increasingly focusing on appropriate use of healthcare
services and interventions as a means to improve health system performance. Our …

Background: In 2012, the Ontario government withdrew public insurance coverage of
imaging tests for uncomplicated low back pain. We studied the impact of this restriction on …

Background Inappropriate diagnostic imaging is a burgeoning problem within the Canadian
healthcare system and imposes considerable burdens to efficiency and timeliness of care …

Background: despite the efforts of multiple stakeholders to promote appropriate care
throughout the healthcare system, studies show that two out of three lower back pain (LBP) …

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in the diagnosis and
monitoring of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). MRI rates in MS populations are poorly …

Background As rates of advanced imaging for lower back pain (LBP) continue to increase,
there is a need to ensure the appropriateness of imaging. Objective The goal of this project …