Guidance Resources

The American College of Radiology (ACR), with more than 30,000 members, is the principal organization of radiologists, radiation oncologists, and clinical medical physicists in the United States. The College is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science of radiology, improve radiologic services to the patient, study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice of radiology, and encourage continuing education for radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and persons practicing in allied professional fields.

Guidance documents provide systematically developed evidence for practitioners and patients to base their decisions about appropriate health care for specific clinical circumstances. They may also help improve quality by reducing the variation in medical practice. In those instances when the medical evidence is lacking or equivocal, guidance documents are formulated by medical experts using consensus methodologies based on their experience and interpretation of available evidence.

The ACR has a variety of guidance documents, such as Practice Guidelines, Technical Standards, Appropriateness Criteria and other resources.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria®

The ACR Appropriateness Criteria® are evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a specific clinical condition. By employing these guidelines, providers enhance quality of care and contribute to the most efficacious use of radiology.

ACR Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards

The American College of Radiology will periodically define new practice guidelines and technical standards for radiologic practice to help advance the science of radiology and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing practice guidelines and technical standards will be reviewed for revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner, if indicated.