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This book reports changes in GP ordering of imaging tests in Australia from 2002–3 to 2011–2, and evaluates alignment between guidelines and recent GP test ordering for selected problems.

Over the decade, 9,802 GPs participated in BEACH, providing details of 980,200 GP–patient encounters. The likelihood of GPs ordering imaging in the management of a problem increased over time. In recent practice, at least one imaging test was ordered at 9 per cent of encounters, at a rate of 10 imaging tests per 100 encounters.

Diagnostic radiology was the most commonly ordered type of imaging test, but the order rate decreased over time, with a shift toward orders for ultrasound, CT and MRI, which all significantly increased.

Eight selected problems accounted for one-third of all imaging orders. Imaging ordering behaviour suggests broad compliance with published guidelines in the management of osteoarthritis, shoulder problems, bursitis/tendonitis/synovitis, abdominal pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. Current ordering patterns for knee problems and some sprains/strains have potential for improvement. The ordering pattern for new presentations of back problems was inconsistent with all established guidelines for management of back problems.