Doctor Group Calls For More Diagnostic Imaging In Cases Of Suspected Child Abuse Injury May 8, 2009

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) called for doctors to use more diagnostic imaging when diagnosing child injuries from suspected abuse and published guidelines for doctors to follow.

This is an important policy statement because diagnostic imaging studies like x-rays, CAT scans and MRIs can provide documentation of injuries that will later be important in child protection proceedings.

Unfortunately, this type of evidence is not usually available in child abuse cases because doctors do not order the imaging studies. Insurance companies discourage medical practitioners from performing imaging studies to save money.

However, the insurance company’s savings comes at the patient’s cost. Not only is the quality of the medical care diminished, but legal evidence is missed out on.

Imaging studies are often the first sign of abuse in cases were children are initially diagnosed with natural illness.

Some of the new AAP polices are:

* When conducting global skeletal imaging, doctors should use radiographic skeletal surveys instead of other methods when they suspect child abuse

* Doctors must put in place precise protocols for skeletal imaging to assure quality consistency.

* If child abuse is suspected in a child older than 1, doctors may perform skeletal scintigraphies instead of radiographic skeletal surveys if their staff is experienced in pediatric nuclear imaging.

* Doctors MUST perform skeletal imaging surveys when they suspect child abuse of children older than 2

* Doctors MUST perform cranial CT or MRIs when they suspect intracranial injuries to an infant or child.

Do your part in protecting children from abuse. Know the signs of child abuse and report it.