Indications for and results of outpatient computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in Ontario.

Objective: Population rates of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) continue to increase markedly. However, little is known about the indications for and results of these imaging tests.

Methods: A cross-sectional chart-abstraction study was used to determine the indications for and results of outpatient CT and MRI scans performed on or after January 1, 2005, at randomly selected Ontario hospitals.