The ACR Appropriateness Criteria© are evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a specific clinical condition. By employing these guidelines, providers enhance quality of care and contribute to the most efficacious use of radiology.

The guidelines are developed by expert panels in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology, and radiation oncology. Each panel includes leaders in radiology and other specialties. There are more than 175 topics with over 850 variants in the March 2011 version. Click here for more information regarding how the ACR derives the Appropriateness Criteria.

ACR Appropriateness Search

The following list represents a number of the most common symptoms that we see. Click on the links provided to review the ACR's list of appropriate exams.
• Headaches with no injury
• Possible Stroke
• Dementia or Memory Losss
• Flank Pain(suspect kidney stone)
• Blood in Urine(hematuria)
• Low Back Pain, Radiculopathy(pain into hip, thigh, leg, or foot)
• Spinal Trauma
• Right Upper Quadrant Pain, abdomen pain(suspect gallbladder disease)
• Right Lower Quadrant Pain, abdomen pain(suspect appendicitis)
• Hypertension(suspecting Renal Artery Stenosis
• Chronic wrist pain
• Acute injury to hand or wrist
• Osteoporosis/Bone Mineral Density

We, at The Imaging Center, hope this quick reference can help answer some questions about what exam should be done. As always we encourage you to call us with questions regarding imaging, test preparation and what to expect with any exam. If email is preferred, we will route questions or requests to appropriate technical staff.