ACR Chooses NDSC to Deliver ACR Select, a Comprehensive EHR-Enabled Medical Imaging Clinical Decision Support Platform

Integration-ready, web services platform provides next-generation ACR Appropriateness Criteria® to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate use of medical imaging

RESTON, Va., July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American College of Radiology's (ACR) national standard for imaging protocols — ACR Appropriateness Criteria® (AC) — is now available in a digitally consumable format to be incorporated into computerized ordering and electronic health record (EHR) systems. ACR has entered into an exclusive agency agreement with the National Decision Support Company (NDSC) to provide the technical platform, support and licensing of the AC under the name ACR Select. 

NDSC, serving as the licensing agent for the ACR AC, will provide EHR vendors with a direct method for healthcare organizations to easily integrate and effortlessly use the Appropriateness Criteria guidelines in daily practice.

ACR AC is a comprehensive clinical decision support database with more than 130 topics and 614 variant conditions that provide evidence-based guidance for the appropriate utilization of all medical imaging procedures. More than 300 volunteer physicians, representing over 20 radiology and non-radiology specialty organizations, participate on the ACR AC expert panels, continuously updating these transparent guidelines, and providing real-time access, via ACR Select, to the latest medical imaging procedure guidance.

"ACR Select will have a substantial impact on the healthcare community by bridging the gap between medical providers and the ACR AC guidelines," said Paul H. Ellenbogen, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Board of Chancellors. "The commitment from major EHR technology providers to integrate these standards is a testament to the importance of promoting appropriate medical imaging use."

Although Medicare imaging use is down since 2008 and imaging is the slowest growing physician service among privately insured Americans according to the Health Care Cost Institute, opportunities remain to ensure appropriate ordering of scans and maximize the value of these lifesaving tools. By integrating ACR AC with EHR technology providers via ACR Select, physicians are able to order the right imaging examination at the right time. EHR technology platforms, powered by ACR Select, can improve quality, reduce unnecessary scans, and lower imaging costs. The platform can be integrated with a wide variety of solutions for payers and providers.

"We are very excited about our relationship with the ACR," said Michael Mardini, CEO, NDSC. "Through ACR Select, we're able to electronically deliver ACR AC in its complete form and uphold the promise of making imaging safe, effective and accessible to those who need it."

This new partnership between the ACR and NDSC delivers on the promise of appropriate medical imaging, which reduces the number of invasive surgeries, unnecessary hospital admissions, shortens length of stay and greatly contributes to improved patient care.

About American College of Radiology
The American College of Radiology (ACR), one of the world's largest and most influential medical specialty associations, is devoted to making medical imaging and radiation oncology safe, effective and accessible to those who need it. Its 34,000 members include top experts in radiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and nuclear medicine.  

About National Decision Support Company
National Decision Support Company (NDSC) is the exclusive distributor of national standards clinical decision support (CDS) imaging guidelines. NDSC provides the technical platform, support, and licensing of digitally consumable CDS that continuously educates providers regarding the latest evidence-based approach to medicine without disrupting the doctor-patient relationship or delaying needed care. For more information, visit www.NationalDecisionSupport.com.

About ACR Select
ACR Select, provided by National Decision Support Company, is the complete web service version of American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria® (AC). ACR AC is a comprehensive national standards clinical decision support database with more than 130 topics and 614 variant conditions that provide evidence-based guidance for the appropriate utilization of all medical imaging procedures. More than 300 volunteer physicians, representing more than 20 radiology and non-radiology specialty organizations, participate on the ACR AC expert panels, continuously updating these nationally transparent guidelines, and providing real-time access to the latest medical imaging procedure guidance. The ACR Select platform can be easily integrated with computerized ordering and electronic health record (EHR) systems so healthcare organizations can effortlessly consume ACR AC guidelines and ensure that the right patient gets the right scan for the right indication. For more information, visit www.ACRselect.org.

SOURCE American College of Radiology