Several radiographers and radiologists read with interest a recent article which focused on the excessive use of CT scans in Germany. Of significance to local healthcare was the notion that both physicians and patients are not aware of the radiation dose yielded in CT.

Although one does not expect patients to be aware of the latter, it is rather disappointing that physicians are unable to quantify risks associated with CT when they are responsible for referring individuals for such examinations.

In a research study performed last year by one of our members, the majority of responding physicians surveyed were unable to quantify the radiation dose yielded in such examinations and other associated risks.

To add insult to injury, an association between CT referrals and defensive medicine, i.e. the practice of requesting procedures that are not indicated clinically but the absence of which may render physicians vulnerable in a malpractice law suit, has been established.

One understands that physicians are put in a vulnerable position with the ever looming danger of malpractice law suits and demanding patients. However, one should question whether such practices are ethical and whether they make financial sense.

Although several measures to prevent legal problems have been described in radiological literature, the latter seem to have not been implemented locally. We hope that such measures are implemented as soon as possible in order to minimise the radiation exposure to the population.