Ohio Hospitals Cut Thousands of Unneeded Scans
Patients in Ohio saved over $6 million after a new initiative reduced unnecessary head and neck imaging.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Stroke
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Between 2024 and 2026, a quality improvement campaign at University of Cincinnati Medical Center and West Chester Hospital avoided 3,542 unnecessary head and cervical spine CT scans. This initiative reduced both patient costs and radiation exposure for trauma patients across the region.
Why it matters
Reducing low-value imaging helps patients avoid unnecessary costs and cumulative radiation exposure without compromising safety. This approach improves care efficiency by streamlining the diagnostic process for trauma patients in Ohio.
A 23-month quality improvement audit found that 3,542 head and cervical spine CT scans were avoided without reported patient harm. The study observed a total reduction of 6,021.4 millisieverts of radiation exposure and 14,168 hours of patient waiting time.
The players
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
An academic health center providing specialized trauma care and diagnostic services in Ohio.
West Chester Hospital
A facility within the UC Health system providing emergency and trauma services in West Chester Township.
The details
The program utilized clinical decision rules to guide physicians on when imaging is necessary for low-risk trauma patients. Hospitals integrated decision-support software directly into the electronic health record (EHR) and provided clinicians with quarterly feedback on their ordering patterns. By adhering to these evidence-based guidelines, providers were able to safely decrease diagnostic imaging volume.
Timeline
The initiative took place over a 23-month period ending in September 2026.
Health Landscape
This effort follows the pattern of the Choosing Wisely campaign by reducing low-value medical services. It represents a broader shift in clinical practice toward using objective decision-support tools to limit unnecessary diagnostic testing.
Patients seeking emergency care for trauma can ask their physician if imaging is strictly necessary based on validated clinical decision rules. If you are concerned about radiation exposure, discuss the risks and benefits of specific diagnostic tests with your care team.
The takeaway
This initiative demonstrates that hospitals can safely reduce unnecessary imaging through EHR-based support and physician feedback. Ask your healthcare provider about clinical decision rules when considering diagnostic scans to ensure you are receiving the most appropriate care.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in Stroke prevention and diagnostic protocols in our regional health archive.
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Do you trust your doctors to skip tests that you do not actually need?
