Protecting trauma patients from duplicated computed tomography scans: the relevance of integrated care systems.

Background: Duplicated computed tomography (CT) scans in transferred trauma patients have been described in university-based trauma systems. This study compares CT utilization between a university-based nonintegrated system (NIS) and a vertically integrated regional healthcare system (IS).

Methods: Trauma patients transferred to 2 Level I trauma centers were prospectively identified at the time of transfer. Imaging obtained before and subsequent to transfer and the reason for CT imaging at the Level I center were captured by real-time reporting.

Results: Four hundred eighty-one patients were reviewed (207 at NIS and 274 at IS). Ninety-nine patients (48%) at NIS and 45 (16%) at IS underwent duplicate scanning of at least one body region. Inadequate scan quality and incomplete imaging were the most common reason category reported at NIS (54%) and IS (78%).

Conclusions: Fewer patients received duplicated scans within the vertically IS as compared with a traditional university-based referral system. Our findings suggest that the adoption of features of a vertically IS, particularly improved transferability of radiographic studies, may improve patient care in other system types.