LAUSR

Key Points Question What are common health care utilization patterns for management of newly diagnosed acute neck pain and how are they associated with care delivery? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 679 030 adults conducted between 2008 and 2015, early imaging was common and often occurred before conservative treatment. However, early conservative therapy before imaging was associated with lower health care costs and reduced opioid use. Meaning These findings suggest a need for improved care standardization with prompt conservative therapy initiation to reduce treatment cost and increase effectiveness.