Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses medical imaging techniques for the diagnosis and, sometimes, treatment of injuries and diseases. Without medical imaging technology, there would be no way to definitively and accurately diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, injuries, and diseases that are now relatively easy to diagnose.
Before radiology scans were available, doctors had to rely on a lot of gut-feeling impressions and the patient’s medical history before they could deliver a diagnosis – and that diagnosis was often wrong. Thanks to modern scanning technology, the first step on the path to treatment is getting a clear and accurate diagnosis based on the results of a diagnostic imaging procedure.
Radiologists are medical doctors who play a significant role in your diagnosis and treatment. They often will continue to make updated recommendations to your physician based on your latest imaging test results.
There are a number of incorrect assumptions about scanning technology and radiology in general. Let’s take a look at some of the common myths surrounding radiology and what the truth really is:
Myth #1: Radiation from Diagnostic Imaging Is Harmful
Although it is true that there are dangers associated with overexposure to radiation, the radiation used in diagnostic imaging procedures is minimal – too little to cause problems. In fact, you are usually exposed to more radiation when you fly in an airplane. We are exposed to radiation every day, from the foods we eat to natural earth materials (such as water) to natural radioactive materials in our bodies.
Accredited radiology centers are regularly inspected by the accreditors to make sure they are following the guidelines required to keep their accreditation. Therefore, you can trust that the radiologists at an accredited radiology center have safeguards in place to protect you, so you will not be overly exposed to radiation.
Myth #2: All Scanning Technology Has Radiation
There are several radiology methods that actually do not expose you to any radiation. One of those is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses magnets rather than radiation. The magnets work with radio waves, rather than radiation, to create pictures of structures inside the body.
Another non-radiation scanning technology is ultrasound. This method uses sound waves that are sent real-time to a nearby computer, which translates how the waves move through the body into images. This is one main reason why ultrasound is used in pregnancy, so the fetus is not exposed to radiation.
Myth #3: X-Rays Are an Outdated Technology
In fact, X-rays are still the most widely used diagnostic imaging procedure today, and they are also the most widely available. They provide quick results, and the technology is relatively inexpensive as compared to other types of medical imaging.
Advances in X-ray technology has made the digital X-ray available, which uses even less radiation than traditional X-ray machines. X-rays often provide the baseline so doctors can follow up with further diagnostic scans that will deliver even more detail.
Radiology Imaging Services in Sherman, TX
Here at Carrus Health, we offer in-house scanning services including X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans. We are a CAHO-accredited and Medicare-certified radiology imaging department, delivering the highest-quality radiology and diagnostic services.
If you need a medical scan, contact us today by calling our team at (903) 870-2600 or fill out our online contact form now. We look forward to seeing you here.
