Referrals for low back imaging is the latest area of GP practice to be targeted by a MBS practice view report, NPS MedicineWise has confirmed.

The report, which is being sent to 30,000 GPs this week, “clarifies” that early lumbosacral X-rays or CT scans are only indicated if doctors suspect serious spinal pathology.

It will also highlight that almost all low back pain – the second leading cause of disease burden in 2015 – is non-specific and can be diagnosed clinically. Further, management of acute non-specific low back pain was not altered by imaging, NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Kate Annear said in a statement.

“Although patients may request imaging, they may not be aware of the harms that can result, such as anxiety from incidental findings and a greater risk of further investigations and potentially unnecessary surgical interventions,” she said.