Optimal use of portable and stat examination.

Using previously published criteria for "justification" of requests for portable and stat radiographs, a prospective study was instituted in a 300-bed teaching hospital. The rates of "unjustified" portable and stat examinations were 5% and 10%, respectively, significantly lower than in a previous study. The results indicate that close cooperation between radiologists and referring clinicians and proper education of house staff can result in more optimal use of these valuable, though often overused, techniques.