Overview of Guidelines and Appropriate Use Criteria

Cardiac radionuclide imaging (RNI) provides critical diagnostic information, data for risk stratification and might be the key element in medical decision-making. Advances in imaging technology, in addition to expanded clinical applications along with possible financial incentives to the imager, have led to explosive growth of imaging, raising concerns about over-utilization. Inappropriate use of RNI may be harmful to patients and generate unwarranted cost to the healthcare system, whereas appropriate procedures should likely improve patients’ clinical outcomes. As a response to a rational use of imaging services, different guidance documents have been developed. These publications strive to help to eliminate unnecessary testing and promote increased awareness of health care costs.