If you are scheduled to have an MRI, CT scan or other imaging procedure, you need to make sure that you take the appropriate steps in order to get the safest and most accurate results. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from unnecessary radiation and an incorrect diagnosis.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before you schedule your scan, you should talk to your doctor about why he thinks it is necessary. If you are concerned about the amount of radiation to which you will be exposed, then you may also want to discuss the different scans that are available and whether they will give your doctor the information he needs. If you are concerned about his answers to your questions, then do not hesitate to get a second opinion.
Choose the Facility Wisely
There are many places that will perform scans, but they are not all highly qualified. Choose a facility that is accredited with the American College of Radiology or its local counterpart in your country like the Philippine College of Radiology, and make sure that the radiologist is certified to perform the scans that have been ordered by your doctor. This will ensure that he is able to accurately perform and read the images that have been ordered, which will help your doctor to diagnose and treat your health issues.
Ask about the Procedure
Before you go to have your scan done, you should know how the procedure will be performed. Ask the radiologist or your doctor if a contrast agent will be used, which may require an injection. If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should talk to the facility about how they can help you relax as they get the images they need.
Review the Results with Your Doctor
Once your doctor has received the images, you should make an appointment to learn more about what he has discovered. He should discuss the images with the radiologist and then explain the scans to you in a manner that is easy to understand. If the scans were inconclusive, your doctor may order other tests. You can also ask another doctor to review the images if you want a second opinion about the results. Radiologists and doctors may interpret the scans differently, and you may want a second medical professional to read the images.
Discuss Treatment Options
Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, he will outline the treatment options that are available to you. During this discussion, you should ask if the results are conclusive and whether anything may have been missed when the radiologist first interpreted the images. This will help you decide whether you need to get a second opinion or further tests before you start your treatment plan.
If you are having health problems, your doctor may order radioactive scans in order to determine the best treatment options for your condition. You should always feel comfortable asking your doctor about his opinions, and he should be able to easily explain his findings so that you can better understand what your options may be. This will help you get the information you need to take control of your health so that you can start feeling better as soon as possible.
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