[ RadSafe ] Medical x-ray vs. CAT scan

[Alston, Chris]

Joel

The doc likely could not tell that he would need a CAT scan, until he saw the radiography.

Cheers
cja

-----Original Message-----
From: Joel C. [mailto:cehn at aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, September 24, 2010 2:25 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 


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