Primary care physicians often have the first opportunity to assess and diagnose patients. Imaging obtained in our office, clinic, hospital, or emergency rooms are an invaluable tool in establishing a diagnosis or making a better differential diagnosis. This eyes-on CME course will improve the participant’s ability to read x-rays of the chest, extremities, neck, spine, abdomen, and sinuses. It will also give participants a better working knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy and imaging, including a review of basic CT and MRI studies that primary care physicians are likely to encounter. Basic radiologic science will be reviewed in addition to discussion of how to develop methodical approaches for reading images to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy and how to order the right advanced imaging tests for patients. This course will give you greater ability, greater confidence and will make you a better physician by improving your practice through better use of diagnostic imaging.
By the end of this activity, the participant should be better able to:
- Discuss the role of imaging in the workup of common complaints.
- Describe the benefits and limitations of multiple imaging modalities.
- Discuss the benefit of using appropriateness criteria in the selection of imaging exams.
2025 Course Accreditation
The Texas Academy of Family Physicians designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The AAFP has reviewed Imaging for Primary Care Providers and deemed it acceptable for up to 8 Live AAFP Prescribed credits. Term of Approval is from 05/02/2025 to 05/02/2025. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Learn more about our accreditation.
7:30 – 8 a.m.
- Registration and breakfast
8 - 10 a.m. — 2 CME credits
Basic Radiologic Science and Radiologic Anatomy
- Recognize how imaging can be an invaluable tool in establishing a diagnosis or making a better differential diagnosis.
- Discuss basic radiologic science and review radiologic anatomy.
Chest X-ray
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering a chest x-ray.
- Improve the participants' ability to read an x-ray of the chest.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading chest images to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced imaging tests of the chest for patients.
10 – 10:15 a.m. — Break
10:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. — 1.75 CME Credits
Chest X-ray, continued
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering a chest x-ray.
- Improve the participants' ability to read an x-ray of the chest.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading chest images to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced imaging tests of the chest for patients.
Spine
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering a spine x-ray.
- Improve the participants’ ability to read an x-ray of the spine.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading spinal images to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced spine imaging tests for patients.
Abdomen
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering an abdominal x-ray.
- Improve the participants' ability to read an x-ray of the abdomen.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading abdominal images to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced imaging tests of the abdomen for patients.
12 – 1 p.m. — Lunch
1 – 3 p.m. — 2 CME Credits
X-Rays, Imaging, and Malpractice
- Discuss the benefit of using appropriateness criteria in the selection of imaging exams.
- Explain how good communication protocols may enhance patient safety and decrease the chance of radiology malpractice claims.
- Discuss common causes of medical liability claims in radiology.
Upper and Lower Extremity
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering an x-ray of the upper and lower extremities.
- Improve the participants' ability to read an x-ray of the upper and lower extremities.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading images of the upper and lower extremities to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced imaging tests of the upper and lower extremities for patients.
3 – 3:15 p.m. — Break
3:15 – 5:30 p.m. — 2.25 CME Credits
Sinus and Brain
- Discuss various medical scenarios that could warrant ordering sinus and brain x-rays.
- Improve the participants’ ability to read an x-ray of the sinuses and brain.
- Develop methodical approaches for reading images of the sinus and brain to lead to greater diagnostic accuracy.
- Discuss how and when to order the proper advanced imaging tests of the sinus and brain for patients.
Review – Imaging Guidelines, Risk, and Selection of Image Modality
- Apply criteria for judicious use of the correct imaging procedure for specific presenting symptoms.
- Have an approach to discussing and referring when appropriate for the care of surprise findings of uncertain significance on imaging.
TOTAL CME CREDITS: 8
