Testing for cause should be guideline-based or evidence-based
Timely (a balance between 'not too soon' and 'not too late')
Focused on determining the underlying cause of the pain
Risks for testing should be balanced with benefit to determine whether benefit outweighs the risk
Patient should be fully aware of the results of the risk-benefit analysis and consents to testing, based on this understanding
Oftentimes, testing for cause is launched via radiological assessment. The American College of Radiology (ACR) maintains a great resource to help the clinician determine which test is an appropriate test.
