Quality program in radiology: Persue or perish

Medical imaging has seen tremendous growth in the past three and half decades with the introduction of various imaging modalities. The continuing growth of technological advances is leading to the introduction of newer clinical applications at a rapid pace. These advances are resulting in precise diagnosis and definitive treatment and have made the specialty of radiology integral to the practice of medicine. However, these technological advances have come at a price as radiological equipment is very costly and radiological investigations form a substantial part of the overall expenditure on treatment. This is seen as a lucrative business opportunity and has led to a mushrooming of imaging centers and taking over of radiology services of hospitals across the country even by nonradiologists and investors. Because the issue of excessive exposure to radiation can lead to detrimental effects for patients, it is important to ensure that patients are not subjected to unnecessary radiations. This can be achieved by a rational approach to investigations with proper indications and well‐supervised studies eliminating the need to re‐investigate because of poor quality. These objectives can be achieved by instituting a quality assurance program in providing cost‐effective, prompt, and accurate diagnosis.