calcium scoring incidental findings

ericacardio · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 1

I work for a cardiology group who has a 64 slice CT scanner. For heart month, we offered the general public calcium score screenings for a discounted cost. The computer generates a score for you. But, considering you are scanning the coronary arteries, and some times there may be incidental findings... do you know if a radiologist has to read over and look over these images just incase there are incidental findings? Or do you think it is ok just to give the person what they paid for which was a calcium score and consult by a cardiologist about that calcium score?

Of course for other test like CTAs, etc. we have a radiologist read them. But, my main question is for a cardiac calcium score screening, does a radiologist HAVE to read these as well, JUST INCASE there MAY be an incidental finding, such as a nodule, etc???

CigarPete · Power User Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 115

This will go well and good until the first patient that has a cancer or a nodule or something on the image that was not picked up by the cardiologist. Then the lawyers will ask why wasn't the pictures read by a qualified physician and then the trouble begins.

If it is on the image it needs to be noted. This is only good patient care in my opinion.