The American College of Radiology (ACR) develops and maintains guidance for the selection, performance, and reporting of imaging recommendations through its Guideline Programs, including but not limited to the Appropriateness Criteria® (AC), Practice Parameters and Technical Standards (PPTS), Reporting and Data Systems (RADS), and Incidental Findings (IF) initiatives.
These materials are intended to support education, quality improvement, and informed clinical decision-making by radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists, referring clinicians, and other healthcare professionals. They assist in the evaluation, reporting, and management of clinical conditions and imaging findings but are not intended to establish a legal standard of care, replace independent professional judgment, or serve as medical, legal, or professional advice. Clinical decisions should be based on the individual patient's condition, clinical presentation, risk factors, comorbidities, available resources, and the professional judgment of the treating healthcare team. The ultimate responsibility for patient care and management rests with the healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care.
The recommendations, criteria, and guidance contained in these materials are developed through rigorous, multidisciplinary review processes and are based on the evidence, technology, and information available at the time of publication. The availability of equipment, personnel, local practice patterns, regulatory requirements, and emerging technologies may influence the applicability of specific recommendations. New evidence, techniques, technologies, or investigational applications may not be fully reflected in published guidance; however, ongoing research and innovation are encouraged.
These materials may be developed in collaboration with external societies and organizations. While collaborative participants may contribute to document development and review, ACR retains responsibility for editorial oversight, publication, maintenance, revision, distribution, and related publication decisions for all ACR Guideline Programs.
All ACR Guideline Program materials, including associated content, methodology, templates, and supporting resources, are the intellectual property of ACR unless otherwise specified. Users may access and use these materials for educational, clinical, and quality improvement purposes. Except as permitted by applicable law or with prior written permission from ACR, users may not modify, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works from, or otherwise republish ACR materials in a manner that misrepresents, alters, or supersedes the original content.
