RT Journal
A1 Andruchow JE, MD, MSc, Raja AS, MD, MBA, MPH, Prevedello LM, MD, MPH, Zane RD, MD, Khorasani R, MD, MPH
T1 VAriation in head computed tomography use for emergency department trauma patients and physician risk tolerance
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD April 23
VO 172
IS 8
SP 660
OP 661
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.2243
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.2243
AB 
Physician risk intolerance and malpractice fear have been implicated as leading to defensive behaviors and increased use of health care resources.1 In the emergency department (ED), physician risk aversion has been associated with higher rates of testing and hospitalization for low-risk patients with chest pain,2- 3 greater use of diagnostic imaging for patients with abdominal pain,4 and an increased likelihood of performing head computed tomography (CT) in scenarios involving pediatric patients with minor head injury.5