When Are Medical Imaging Tests Unnecessary

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(No Transcript)
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• Hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices rely on
  many modern medical imaging tests to help them in
  their diagnoses and treatment plans. Imaging
  tests like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can all be
  helpful in the treatment of injuries and
  sickness. However, new studies have found that
  many of these tests are being given unnecessarily.

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• A study by Consumer Reports recently found that
  one in three CT scans performed are medically
  unnecessary.1 Another study by Americas Health
  Insurance Plans found that between 20-50 of all
  high-tech medical imaging tests produced no
  useful results.2 Despite this, medical imaging
  tests are the fastest growing type of medical
  procedure, doubling between1997 and 2006 alone.3

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• There are several reasons why unnecessary medical
  imaging tests are a cause for concern
• Health issues many medical imaging tests expose
  patients to radiation, increasing the likelihood
  of cancer. CT scans alone will likely result in
  29,000 future cancer diagnoses, leading to
  approximately 15,000 deaths.1
• Cost medical imaging tests are often expensive,
  and unnecessary tests put undue financial burden
  on patients, insurance companies, and the
  healthcare system.

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• There are several reasons why doctors continue to
  rely on unnecessary medical tests. Sometimes it
  is out of financial interest hospitals and
  doctors offices that own their own medical
  imaging equipment do not have to pay other
  facilities for these tests. Another cause is that
  doctors fear malpractice lawsuits from missed
  diagnoses, and will perform extra tests to
  protect themselves.

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• The best way to reduce unnecessary medical tests
  is for patients to be their own advocates. By
  being able to make informed decisions about their
  own medical care, patients can request that
  medical imaging tests they believe are
  unnecessary not be performed.

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• If you are concerned that you are being subjected
  to an unnecessary medical imaging test that may
  harm your long-term health, ask your doctor if
  there is another test that can be performed. CT
  scans and X-rays are often used to diagnose the
  causes of back pain and headaches, but are
  usually unnecessary or produce no useful results.
  In these cases, ask if there is another
  examination method, or if the scan is truly
  necessary.

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• Another thing patients should keep in mind is
  that some medical imaging tests expose patients
  to larger doses of radiation than others. X-rays,
  CT scans, and PET scans involve high doses of
  radiation. On the other hand, exposure from
  ultrasounds and MRIs is much lower.

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• Another way that patients can avoid unnecessary
  medical tests is to request that another doctor
  examine their medical imaging results. An online
  radiologist service can examine your X-rays, CT
  scans, etc., and see if there is anything that
  your first doctor missed or advise whether
  further tests are truly necessary.

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MetisMD is a leading radiology services provider
and professional medical consultation company.
Using a cloud-based interface, MetisMD connects
patients with experienced radiologists to provide
them with knowledgeable consultations and second
opinions. Learn more at www.metismd.com
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1. http//www.cbsnews.com/news/many-medical-imaging-t
   ests-performed-in-u-s-are-unnecessary/
2. http//annals.org/article.aspx?articleid1355170r
   2-10
3. http//content.healthaffairs.org/content/27/6/1491
   .full