‘We didn’t see it coming’: What to expect from CT scan rationing
Radiologists are urging GPs to minimise imaging requests where possible amid the global shortage of contrast media
The hard lockdown in Shanghai has triggered a global shortage of contrast media, the key product used in thousands of CT scans in Australia each day.
Both the TGA and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists are asking doctors to consider deferring CT scans where appropriate to help preserve limited supplies (see box).
Below, the college’s president tells AusDoc what GPs can expect during the shortage and what will happen if Shanghai remains locked down long term.
AusDoc: First question, will GPs referring patients for clinically necessary imaging start to see their requests knocked back because of the shortage? And what should they do if they disagree with a rejection?
