Several medical imaging processes have been standardized regionally and were approved by Northern Health Medical Advisory Committee in February 2025. They are documented in detail in the attached decision support tool.
These changes will allow for designated medical imaging staff to order the following investigations when deemed necessary by the Medical Imaging (MI) team:
- X-ray for pre-MR Orbit
- Pre-bloodwork for special procedures, interventional and contrast exams
- Post-procedure Pathology/Cytology/Laboratory
Standard investigations will be ordered by the MI team unless otherwise specified by the ordering clinician. If the ordering clinician would like additional non-standard investigations these should be included with the procedure request.
- Post-chest drainages/lung biopsies – chest X-ray
The results of these investigations will be sent to the clinician who originally ordered the Medical Imaging study/procedure. These changes will enhance safe patient care, streamline departmental efficiency, alleviate clinician workload, and ensure timely and accurate diagnostics.
The decision support tool also includes obstetrical ultrasound follow up exams. This is being implemented through a phased approach and will be announced as each MI department is ready to assume this responsibility. When implemented, MI departments will assume the responsibility of booking only incomplete second trimester fetal anatomy surveys. Any other follow up obstetrical US studies (such as follow up T1 studies performed too early for dating, or third trimester studies) will still be the responsibility of the patients care provider.
For further information please contact Sarah.harvie@northernhealth.ca, Medical Lead, Medical Imaging or Lisette.Vienneau@northernhealth.ca , Regional Director, Diagnostic Services.
References:
Medical Imaging Initiated Diagnostic Requests (see appendix A)