What’s in a Name? Factors Associated with Documentation and Evaluation of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules

RATIONALE: Radiologist reports of pulmonary nodules discovered incidentally on computed tomographic (CT) images of the chest may influence subsequent evaluation and management. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the impact of the terminology used by radiologists to report incidental pulmonary nodules on subsequent documentation and evaluation of the nodules by the ordering or primary care provider.