Rationale and Comments

A thorough history and physical examination are necessary to guide imaging decisions. Ordering spine imaging without obtaining a history and physical examination has not been shown to improve patient outcomes and increases costs.

Sponsoring Organizations

• American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Sources

• Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Disciplines

• Orthopedic

References

• Chou R, Qaseem A, Owens DK, Shekelle P; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Diagnostic imaging for low back pain: advice for high-value health care from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2011 Feb 1;154(3):181–9.