Neck Imaging Guidelines

Covers ultrasound, CT (with/without contrast), MRI, esophagram and nuclear medicine for specific neck indications (thyroid/parathyroid disease, neck masses, dysphagia/esophageal disease, salivary gland disorders, cervical adenopathy, suspected abscesses, preoperative/staging), but excludes routine advanced imaging for typical globus sensation or uncomplicated pharyngitis, screening thyroid ultrasound in low‑risk patients, routine FDG‑PET for indeterminate thyroid nodules, and unnecessary CT without/with contrast due to added radiation. Key requirements: a clinical evaluation within 60 days (or documented meaningful contact), appropriate prior labs/imaging (e.g., TSH, serum calcium/PTH, plain x‑ray or ultrasound, esophagram/endoscopy when indicated), documentation of failed 2‑week conservative treatment for reactive adenopathy, and specific lab/biopsy findings for parathyroid or nuclear studies and preoperative staging.

"Advanced imaging of the neck covers the following areas: Skull base; Nasopharynx; Upper oral cavity to the head of the clavicle; Parotid glands and the supraclavicular region."