Increased Likelihood of Repeat Imaging When Nonphysician Practitioners Interpret Studies

Recent research published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology indicates that imaging studies interpreted by nonphysician practitioners (NPPs), such as physician assistants or nurse practitioners, have a higher chance of being repeated within 90 days compared to those interpreted by radiologists. The study analyzed approximately 1.4 million Medicare fee-for-service imaging cases and found that overall, 12.5% of these procedures were followed by repeat imaging.

The data revealed significant differences based on the type of imaging modality. For radiography, the repeat rate was 20.4% when interpreted by NPPs, versus 14.6% when by radiologists. Ultrasound had rates of 11.6% for NPPs versus 4.5% for radiologists, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed 8.8% versus 3.8% respectively. Adjusted statistical analysis demonstrated that the odds of needing a repeat study were notably higher with NPP interpretation across all imaging types, with odds ratios of 1.35 for radiography, 2.41 for ultrasound, and 2.56 for MRI.

Lead researcher Eric W. Christensen emphasized that with the projected increase of NPPs by one-third by 2033, understanding the impact on healthcare quality and efficiency is critical. This growing trend in NPP-led imaging interpretation raises important questions about clinical outcomes, cost, and patient safety.

The study highlights the need for ongoing evaluation of diagnostic accuracy and the potential implications of expanding nonphysician roles in medical imaging. These findings contribute to the broader discussion on optimizing healthcare delivery and resource utilization.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-odds-imaging-higher-nonphysician-practitioner.html