The new 3D Printing Registry, developed collaboratively by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), is now collecting data. The registry addresses the need for coordinated tracking of clinical 3D printing. It collects anonymized 3D printing case information, clinical indications and intended uses for printed models, as well as the source imaging, the model construction techniques and effort, the 3D printing technique and effort, and the clinical impact of the models with the ultimate goals of improving both patient care and characterizing resource utilization.
In response to the recent release of four new Category III Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for the use of 3D printing to create anatomic models and anatomic guides, registry data will enable essential analyses to demonstrate the clinical value of 3D printing. This analysis has been challenging to date because of the rich diversity of clinical indications, the different technologies for generating physical models from medical images and the complexity of the models. In the original announcement of the registry, Frank J. Rybicki, MD, PhD, FACR, past-chair of the ACR Committee on Appropriateness Criteria and founding chair of the RSNA 3D Printing Special Interest Group remarked, “Medical models and surgical guides have been 3D printed for well over a decade, as niche applications — and without CPT codes. However, when applying for CPT codes, it became clear that this ‘general acceptance’ lacked peer-reviewed literature to demonstrate value. This registry will supply data to benchmark the value of this subspecialty.”
Learn more about how to participate and submit data by visiting the 3D Printing Registry.