2013 appropriate utilization of cardiovascular imaging: a methodology for the development of joint criteria for the appropriate utilization of cardiovascular imaging by the American College of Cardiology Foundation and American College of Radiology.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) have jointly developed a method to define appropriate utilization of cardiovascular imaging. The primary role of this method is to create a series of documents to define the utility of cardiovascular imaging procedures in relation to specific clinical questions, with the aim of defining what, if any, imaging tests are indicated to help to determine diagnosis, treatment, or outcome. The methodology accomplishes this aim through the application of systematic evidence reviews integrated with expert opinion by means of a rigorous Delphi process. By obtaining broad input during the development process from radiologists, cardiologists, primary care physicians, and other stakeholders, these documents are intended to provide practical evidence-based guidance to ordering providers, imaging laboratories, interpreting physicians, patients, and policymakers as to optimal cardiovascular imaging utilization. This document details the history, rationale, and methodology for developing these joint documents for appropriate utilization of cardiovascular imaging.