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The radiologist's potentially important role in controlling the use of radiological examinations of patients is examined. Attempts to expedite patient processing and increase physician efficiency have resulted in the overuse of radiological laboratory functions. In addition, medicolegal practices, defensive medical practice, and efforts to avoid litigation have led physicians, hospital administrators, and insurance companies to encourage the use of x-rays in cases of alleged injury and doubtful fracture. Other types of tests such as ultrasound may be more accurate in diagnosing certain disorders. The permanent nature of the x-ray dictates the need for better utilization of existing medical records rather than the repetition of tests, unless there is a change in the patient's condition. The effective protection of patients from excess radiation, cost control, and greater efficiency can be achieved by requiring physicians to consult the radiologist and review previous tests before initiating a given series of radiological examinations. The radiologist should have access to the patient's medical history and be able to obtain additional pertinent radiographs not specifically ordered if he or she notes during an examination the existence of a condition that should be brought to the physician's attention for proper diagnosis.