Has your attending physician recommended that you undergo a medical imaging scan? You may think it’s no longer necessary to ask your imaging doctor questions about your specific medical imaging procedure when it’s already a given that it’s for the benefit of your health. However, there may still be other things that you need to know, and therefore, should ask about. After all, you are your own health advocate.
To make sure you understand what your particular imaging procedure exactly entails, below are a few questions you want to consider asking your imaging doctor.
Q #1 Are there Risks Associated with the Test?
The advances in imaging technology have paved the way for the development of sophisticated techniques that carry far less risk, providing patients with greater peace of mind while delivering reliable images that equip clinicians to make prompt and the best treatment decisions. Digital X-rays, for example, emit 80-percent less radiation compared to traditional ones—making them a safer option.
If you have last-minute hesitations about your specific imaging procedure, ask the imaging doctor whether there are any alternatives. The decision to undergo medical imaging and take which option is ultimately up to you, especially if your condition doesn’t warrant emergency care.
Q #2 How Do I Prepare for the Test?
Most imaging procedures don’t require any special preparation. For those, however, that involve the use of a contrast agent, you may need to fast and skip certain medications for a few hours prior.
Q #3 What Happens During and After the Test?
Knowing what to expect during the procedure is important, as it helps you know what to do to ensure your comfort throughout. If you are having a closed MRI scan, you will be slid into a capsule-like chamber, which can cause anxiety if you’re claustrophobic, so ask your imaging doctor about how long it takes and the specific measures they employ to keep you calm and relaxed.
In addition, find out how soon you can get the results of the scan and the process for follow-up. For emergency cases, results are usually available immediately. For non-emergencies, on the other hand, results may take a day to interpret and become available to the referring physician.
Medical Imaging Facility in The Bronx, NY
Here at Starling Diagnostics, we pride ourselves on consistently providing highly efficient, patient-centered services to everyone who comes to our facility. Unlike in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, in which imaging doctors accommodate large influx and merely rush patients in and out, ours focus on providing an unmatched patient experience. Our board-certified imaging doctors also take pleasure in answering any questions and providing patients with useful information about their procedures.
Schedule a medical imaging appointment with us today. Call our clinic at (718) 319-1610 or use our appointment request form.
