Short- Mid- and Long-term Strategies to Manage the Shortage of Iohexol

This report provides short-, mid-, and long-term strategies for patient triage and imaging protocols to address contrast media (iohexol) shortages and associated supply chain issues. Short-term strategies include establishing an incident command center to direct and monitor media usage, delaying elective contrast-enhanced CT examinations, reducing contrast media dosage, and employing alternative diagnostic modalities. Mid-term strategies include repackaging contrast media, using multiuse and multiaccess methods, communicating and negotiating with payers for billing and reimbursement, and ensuring compliance through communication with ordering providers. Long-term strategies include advocating for legislation to facilitate expansion of contrast media manufacturing plants and institutional stockpiling of contrast media supplies.