Chest X-Ray As an Essential Part of Routine Medical Examination: Is It Necessary?
- Author:
Izamin Idris
;
Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chest x-ray, screening, cost analysis, routine medical examination
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2012;67(6):606-609
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Various studies in primary care and
hospitalized patients have discouraged routine use of chest
x-ray (CXR) in medical examination.
Purpose: The study aims to determine the prevalence of
abnormal routine CXR and cost of one CXR at a public health
clinic and discuss the rationale of CXR in routine medical
examination.
Methodology: Data of patients who visited Klinik Kesihatan
Bandar Kota Bharu (KKBKB), a public health clinic, from 1
January until 31 December 2010 were examined. The study
used cross-sectional design. All patients who came for
medical examination and CXR at KKBKB were included.
Cost analysis was performed from the perspective of
provider.
Findings: About 63.1% of 8315 CXR films in KKBKB were
produced as part of routine medical examination.
Prevalence of abnormal CXR was 0.25%. The cost of
producing one CXR ranges from RM15.87 to RM32.34.
Discussion: Low yield from CXR screening and high cost of
CXR are the main concern. CXR screening would also lead
to unnecessary radiation; and false-positive screening
resulting in physical risk, unwarranted anxiety and more
expenditure. CXR screening is appropriately reserved for
high-risk patients and those with relevant clinical findings.
