TY - JOUR T1 - Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine: direct access for general practitioners. JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 575 LP - 576 VL - 47 IS - 422 AU - S J Chawda AU - R Watura AU - D C Lloyd Y1 - 1997/09/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/47/422/575.abstract N2 - At the Cardiff Royal Infirmary we have offered general practitioners (GPs) direct access for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine for sciatica or suspected spinal claudication since January 1993. We compared referrals for MRI from GPs and hospital outpatient doctors, and assessed GP patient management following the scan report. No difference in the diagnostic rates for disc herniation and spinal stenosis were found. GP direct access shortens investigation time, potentially reduces waiting lists, and allows GPs to make more informed management decisions. ER -