November 9, 2010—STAT means NOW!
Starting on November 9th, orders for Radiology exams have been updated to better manage turn-around times and reduce the number of inappropriate STAT orders.
STAT radiology exams should only be requested for a medical emergency. The requestor must call the Radiology STAT Emergency line at (617)726-3050 to notify the department and set up the exam. The medical staff must be prepared to transport the patient immediately to the designated area in Radiology.
Inpatients—The options for ordering the following exams have been changed for inpatient ordering areas to include the typical turn-around times for routine orders:
Plain Films—Typically within 4 hours, except for portable chest and portable KUB, typically within 1 hour (these may also be ordered for morning or afternoon rounds)
CT/CTA (except cardiac CTs, which have not changed)—Typically within 4 hours
MRI/MRA—Typically within 24 hours
Ultrasound—Typically within 8 hours
For cases that are not STAT but not Routine, choose Other and enter information about when the exam is needed (i.e. ASAP, at 2 PM, within 2 hours, etc.)
Emergency Department—All the exams listed above will be ordered as ED Routine by default.
Presentation: Imaging Website
Instructions:Ordering Radiology Exams
See also: