Radiation exposure is linked to conditions like cancer, therefore you have every reason to find out whether you need to have imaging testing done. Sometimes, doctors fail to consider other factors when requesting diagnostic imaging tests. This makes you receive tests that you probably did not need; a doctor needs to weigh out the imaging tests’ risks and the benefits. You may want to visit Houston interventional radiology clinic to get advice on when an imaging test is vital. The decision to have a test arises from your discussion with your doctor and how your condition presents itself.
Are There Risks With Scans?
Imaging tests come in different forms and they serve different purposes. For example, computed tomography or CT scan locates and diagnoses bones and lung problems. CT scans expose a patient to larger radiation amounts than what you get from the normal X-ray when it comes to exposure. Another test is done using positron emission, this is done when diagnosing cancer and to find out whether it has spread to other locations. It also serves to show the flow of blood to an individual’s heart and diagnose heart problems. The radiation exposure of positron emission or PET is more than you obtain from a CT scan.
Before you receive an X-ray, CT scan, or PET examination, ask the doctor whether they are necessary. If they can be avoided without compromising your treatment results, it would be best to do away with them.
It May Increase Your Medical Cost
Diagnostic imaging tests add to the cost of medical treatment. You may find that your bank account is heavily impacted by the test you receive, with some tests costing thousands of dollars, it can heftily affect your financial well-being. Before you pay for the tests, determine whether the benefits outweigh the risks and financial burden. For example, most patients with lower back pain begin to feel better within 30 days or so, regardless of whether they undergo CT, magnetic resonance imaging, or X-ray.
You Are Part of the Decision-Making
You should not conclude that the doctor is the decision-maker when it comes to receiving imaging tests. Often, we tend to leave everything to the doctor when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. Doctors are humans and sometimes they make decisions that may not always be right. There is also the fear that when you ask a doctor questions, you are questioning their credibility and ability to do their work.
Nonetheless, you want to involve yourself in the diagnosis and treatment process as much as possible, do not leave everything to the doctor. Do your research on professionals in the medical field or other fields. They may know something about getting imaging tests.
Diagnostic imaging tests can impact your health and finances, talk to your doctor to ensure that you are receiving the correct tests to better treat your condition.
