Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Understanding the Importance of Imaging

When you tell someone about imaging the first thing that comes to mind is the X-Ray. The X-ray is the pre-cursor and cornerstone of every machine imaginable.  You have the MRI, the CT scan, and the Mammography machine among others. What people also tend to think of are dark rooms coupled with cold and some noise.


So does this all mean that we know what we need to know about imaging? Are we fully aware of how important it is to understand imaging? The answer to that is no. Most of the population is not comprised of imaging experts and for sure we have a field of understanding that’s not as broad as that of a radiologist, technician, or a physicist. The International Day of Radiology helps inform patients on the importance of imaging.

The purpose of the International Day of Radiology is not to merely push an agenda on the patient. It’s important that the patient understand the need for screening as well as the need for understanding whether or the patient should try for preventive imaging over certain periods of time. It’s stated on the site of the International Day of Radiology that “Medical imaging is one of the most exciting and progressive disciplines in healthcare and a field of great activity in terms of technological and biological research. X-rays, MRI scans, ultrasound and numerous other medical imaging technologies, as well as the eye-catching images associated with them, are known to many people, but the exact purpose and value of these services is not widely understood.”

While advocacy has aided greatly in helping patients understand why certain tests are needed, often times patients still question the need for a specific imaging procedure. While the X-Ray is commonly and widely accepted, it seems like the MRI, and CT scan, among others, are not really accepted as much. Hopefully this will help people in general understand that a necessary imaging procedure often times means a real difference between life and death. Minimally it means a difference between proper treatment and inaccurate treatment of a complex condition.


If you have any questions about diagnostic imaging procedures please feel free to give us a call. Our team of dedicated imaging professionals looks forward to answering all your questions and helping you in all your diagnostic imaging needs.



Charla Hurst General
Operations Manager

Charla@ClermontRadiology.com  
352-241-6100 





No comments:

Post a Comment