Guidance on referral for MRI by Audiologists

The BAA Service Quality Committee (SQC) has published a new guidance document that is available on the website for members. ‘

Guidance on referral for MRI by Audiologists’ aims to offer general guidance on non-medical referral for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for suspected acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma).

Traditionally, where unilateral symptoms exist, Audiologists refer to ENT, however, it is becoming increasingly more common practice for Audiologists to refer directly to Radiology for MRI of the internal auditory meatus (IAM).  This document aims to provide guidance on the key issues that need to be considered when setting up non-medical referral pathways for Audiologists within an Audiology Service.

It is strongly recommended that Audiology services work closely with their local ENT and Radiology services to develop local policies and procedures to ensure the safe, effective and efficient use of local resources. This document does not provide specific detail about the content of such policies and procedures.

Access the guidance here.