[ RadSafe ] Medical x-ray vs. CAT scan

[Vernig, Peter G.]

If the reason relates to dose, you are probably thinking the opposite of
what they consider.  A CT scan provides pretty significant dose, on the
order of a rad or 10 mGy and they would not want to deliver that if not
needed.  And the same goes for cost and capacity.  CTs are much more
expensive and take more time, so if not needed...

 Any opinions in this e-mail are solely those of the author, and are not
represented as those of the VA Eastern Colorado HCS, the Dept. of
Veterans Affairs, or the US Government.

Peter G. Vernig,RSO


-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu
[mailto:radsafe-bounces at health.phys.iit.edu] On Behalf Of Joel C.
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 12:25 PM
To: radsafe at health.phys.iit.edu
Subject: [ RadSafe ] Medical x-ray vs. CAT scan

My wife recently had an x-ray; they were looking for a bone fracture.
The Dr. wasn't happy with the x-ray and ordered a CAT scan.  Is there
any reason why drs. don't skip the standard "film" and go right to the
CAT scan, if they suspect they need the extra resolution?  Do they have
to show that the film isn't adequate first?  I know the film exposure is
low, but if there's no benefit...


Joel I. Cehn, CHP
http://www.linkedin.com/in/joelcehn 

_______________________________________________
You are currently subscribed to the RadSafe mailing list

Before posting a message to RadSafe be sure to have read and understood
the RadSafe rules. These can be found at:
http://health.phys.iit.edu/radsaferules.html

For information on how to subscribe or unsubscribe and other settings
visit: http://health.phys.iit.edu