In January 2021, the CAR is launching into a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association to support the integration of diagnostic imaging referral guidelines into electronic Clinical Decision Support (CDS) systems in Canada. Canada’s radiology community will develop comprehensive evidence-based, peer-reviewed referral guidelines to support clinical decision-making by referring physicians, thereby ensuring patients receive the appropriate imaging procedures at the right time.
The CAR has established a Referral Guidelines Working Group co-chaired by Dr. Ryan Margau, Chief and Medical Director, Medical Imaging, North York General Hospital and Dr. Paul Pageau, Director, Point of Care US, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital who will provide leadership and oversight on this project. The national diagnostic imaging referral guidelines will be developed in consultation with the radiology community and other allied professionals groups such the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Choosing Wisely and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Canada. These guidelines will be made freely available to enhance care and enable communication among physicians.
This project will build on previous work conducted by the CAR on diagnostic imaging referral guidelines and quality improvement including the 2012 CAR Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines.
The next phase of this project will look at the creation of an electronic system to house these guidelines, ensuring easy access by front line physicians. The ultimate goal is to promote the most appropriate diagnostic imaging procedures, enhance the efficient movement of patients through the health system, and ensure better health outcomes for patients.
2012 CAR Diagnostic Imaging Referral Guidelines
Referral Guidelines at a Glance
- Section A: Central nervous system
- Section B: Head and neck
- Section C: Spine
- Section D: Musculoskeletal system
- Section E: Cardiovascular
- Section F: Thoracic
- Section G: Gastrointestinal system
- Section H: Urological, adrenal and genitourinary systems
- Section I: Obstetrics and gynaecology
- Section J: Trauma
- Section K: Cancer
- Section L: Pediatrics
- Section M: Breast disease
Symposium on DI Referrals and Appropriateness
The CAR convened two events in 2018 on diagnostic imaging referral guidelines, appropriateness, and electronic CDS systems. The goal was to open lines of communication and collaboration on issues and strategies related to imaging referrals and quality improvement.
January 2018 Symposium Report
June 2018 Symposium Report
Dr. Martin Reed, Chair of the CAR Referral Guidelines Working Group, speaking at the CAR symposium in Ottawa on January 29, 2018.
Next to him are from left to right: Dr. Victor Ng, CFPC physician advisor, Dr. Paul Pageau, CAEP President and Mr. Tai Huynh, Choosing Wisely Canada campaign director.
