EXPECTATIONS DRIVE DOCTORS TO ORDER UNNECESSARY IMAGING

Despite knowing (and agreeing with) recommendations to not use imaging for low back pain without “red flag” indicators, doctors are still ordering unnecessary CTs and MRIs for patients. Most do so out of fear of upsetting the patient, and because there is not enough time to discuss the risks and benefits of the images with the patients, according to an October 17, 2016 study of Veteran’s Affairs health care professionals.

The study surveyed 579 VA clinicians, and included a hypothetical scenario in which a patient had requested imaging for nonspecific low back pain (without red flag symptoms). Only 3% of the responses thought that the patient would benefit from a CT scan or MRI. Almost 75% of the clinicians worried the patient would not be able to be referred to a specialist without an image, and more than half worried the patient would be upset to not receive the image.

The study confirms a concern highlighted by the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation’s Choosing Wisely campaign, that the use of unnecessary imaging, such as CTs, MRIs, and X-rays, can lead to other unnecessary tests or procedures, drive up patient costs, and expose the patient to unnecessary radiation.

“Our study showed that almost all clinicians were aware that an imaging test was not indicated for a patient with low back pain without danger signals of severe spinal problems, and agreed with the Choosing Wisely recommendations to not do testing,” said study coauthor Erika D. Sears, MD, MS, of the Veteran’s Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, in Reuters Health News (“Doctors still order imaging for low back pain, against recommendations” – October 17, 2016).

Patient education is key to avoiding unnecessary and expensive medical interventions and tests. There is a growing body of evidence that demonstrates early physical therapy for low back pain lowers costs. 

“Patients should first have a thorough history and physical exam to rule out the presence of “red flag” symptoms, and are often first referred to physical therapy in the initial treatment period,” Sears said. “Because low back pain tends to come back, staying active through activities such as walking, yoga, and supervised training, on top of physical therapy, is key to warding off recurrence.”

LOW BACK PAIN: WHY YOU SHOULD GET PHYSICAL THERAPY FIRST

Over any 3-month period, about 25% of Americans will have low back pain. In most cases, it is mild and disappears on its own. But sometimes the pain lingers, returns, or worsens, leading to a decrease in function and quality of life.

In an era when back pain is often over-treated, due in part to unhelpful imaging scans (like x-rays) that may lead to unnecessary surgery, narcotics, and higher costs, physical therapy is a proven and cost-effective treatment option that you should consider as a first choice.

Studies show that early physical therapy for low back pain significantly lowers the total scope and cost of care.

Here's why you should consider getting physical therapy first:

Back Pain Often Leads to Missed Work and Overly Expensive Treatment

• According to the most recent news release (December 2014) Employee Cost Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 200,000 incidents related to back injury were reported in 2013, causing an average of 7 days of missed work.
• Direct costs to treat back problems totaled $30.3 billion in 2007. Of that, $4.5 billion was spent on prescription medications. The average expenditure per person for treatment was $1,589, and $446 for prescription medications.

Physical Therapy Is An Effective, Cheaper First Choice

• Scientific research overwhelmingly points to the effectiveness of conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, for low back pain. Despite this, and published guidelines suggesting conservative treatment as the best first option, physicians still often order imaging scans (like x-rays), prescribe narcotics, and refer patients to other physicians, including surgeons.
• A September 2013 study found that there was no significant difference in outcomes between patients who chose spinal fusion surgery, as compared to those who chose the nonoperative treatment (physical therapy).
• An award winning 2015 study demonstrated substantial potential for lowered costs and reduced health care utilization for patients who received, and adhered to, early physical therapy for low back pain.