Computerized clinical decision support integrated with the electronic health record (EHR) can improve appropriate use of diagnostic radiology by a moderate amount and decrease use by a small amount, according to an article published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Strong evidence shows that diagnostic imaging is overused and interventions have been suggested to encourage more appropriate use of these tests. Some of these interventions have made use of the computerized clinical decision support (CCDS) capabilities of EHRs. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of EHR-based interventions to determine if they improve the appropriate use of diagnostic imaging. The evidence suggests that in addition to improving appropriate use, EHR-based interventions including a hard stop and those done in an integrated care delivery setting may be more effective than interventions without such features.

Article: Electronic Health Record-Based Interventions for Improving Appropriate Diagnostic Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, C.L. Goldzweig, G. Orshansky, N.M. Paige, I.M. Miake-Lye, J.M. Beroes, B.A. Ewing, and P.G. Shekelle, Annals of Internal Medicine, doi: 10.7326/M14-2600, published 20 April 2015.