Excessive radiation concerns prompt new CT scan regulations

Researchers are raising concerns about the high levels of radiation some CT scans deliver to patients. About 93 million CT scans are performed annually in the U.S., with over half of these scans given to people aged 60 and older. Rebecca Smith-Bindman, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, has studied the risks for over ten years. She notes that there is little regulation on the amount of radiation used in these scans, which can vary significantly. Some scans may expose patients to 10 or even 15 times more radiation than others for the same procedure. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced new rules to improve safety for patients. Hospitals and imaging centers must now report the radiation doses their CT scanners emit. These regulations began in January and will take about three years to fully implement, with some penalties starting in 2027 for non-compliance. The American College of Radiology and other medical imaging associations have expressed concern that these rules may be overly burdensome for providers. However, several patient safety organizations support the CMS's efforts to improve the situation. Long-standing studies show that CT scans could be linked to thousands of excess cancer cases annually. The risk of developing cancer from these scans increases for patients who have many scans throughout their lives. Researchers and doctors emphasize the need for caution, especially for children, who are more vulnerable to radiation. Dr. Max Wintermark, a neuroradiologist, supports the new regulations and predicts improvements in technology will help reduce radiation doses in the future. He believes these measures will lead to safer imaging practices and better health outcomes.