Sex differences in inappropriate imaging requests: insights from the Medical Imaging Decision And Support (MIDAS) study

Question Inappropriate diagnostic imaging incurs radiation exposure and costs. Sex-based disparities in this context are understudied; do inappropriate imaging requests differ between men and women? Findings Among 61,220 requests, inappropriate orders were significantly higher in women (7.32%) than in men (6.08%). Clinical relevance Our results suggest sex differences in diagnostic decision-making. Further research and sex- and gender-sensitive approaches in guideline development are needed to ensure equitable imaging practices.