Radiology, Vol 131, 579-588, Copyright © 1979 by Radiological Society of North America
Quality Assurance in diagnostic radiology: an irreverent view of a sacred cow: annual oration in honor of Albert Soiland, M.D
WJ Tuddenham
The problem of federal regulation of radiologic practice is examined via an
in-depth analysis of the Proposed Recommendations for Diagnostic Radiology
Facility Quality Assurance Programs as published in the Federal Register by
the Commissioner of Food and Drugs. It is shown that the need for such
recommendations is not established, that the program proposed by the
Commissioner is potentially burdensome for the radiologist, that it does
not address the most significant causes of unnecessary patient irradiation,
and that the benefits expected to derive from it are, in fact, negligible.
This is not to denigrate the value of well-conceived quality assurance
efforts, and measures are suggested that might more reasonably be expected
to reduce the radiation exposure of the public. The radiologist is urged to
1) conduct his practice in as faultless a manner as possible; and 2)
exercise his right to respond to proposals of the federal regulatory
agencies.
