The healthcare market is experiencing ashift towards outpatient care, driven by reimbursement changes, pandemic effects, and patient preferences, particularly prominent in the U.S. Providers are diversifying into sub-specializations like neurology and oncology, raising the demand for advanced imaging like MRI and CT. This trend has led to increased utilization of outpatient imaging and teleradiology services.
By the NuMbers
Diagnostic imaging is becoming increasingly crucial in healthcare, with the market projected to reach$31.9bn in 2023 and grow at a 4.8% CAGR to $45.8bn in 2030. The rise is driven by chronic diseases, an aging population, and post-Covid-19 demand recovery. To meet this demand, companies are focusing on advanced and accessible technologies, such as handheld ultrasounds. About 1,949 imaging devices are in development, with 112 expected to gain approval in 2023.
According to Fortune Business Insights, in 2022, the computed tomography (CT) segment held the largest market share due to a rise in CT scan procedures and higher average pricing. For instance, OECD data for 2021 showed 84.5 million CT scan procedures in the U.S., up by 15.8% from the previous year. The growing geriatric population has also contributed to increased demand for CT scans.
Key Players
Key players include GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and more. Challenges include high equipment costs and a shortage of skilled personnel, impacting accessibility and patient care quality. Opportunities arise from the growing demand for imaging services, especially for chronic diseases, and the development of new modalities like 3D mammography and MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil are pivotal, driven by rising chronic diseases. Major players like Siemens Healthineers are expanding in these markets. Additionally, teaching hospitals are increasing demand for advanced imaging methods to enhance patient care.
Your Dedicated Radiology Partner: Vesta
Partnering with Vesta as your radiology partner ensures access to accurate and timely imaging interpretations and readings for subspecialties. Whether you are an outpatient imaging center or traditional hospital, our collaboration offers a seamless and efficient experience. Trust us to be your reliable radiology partner, empowering you with the insights and tools needed for improved healthcare outcomes.
In recent years,artificial intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides in revolutionizing the landscape of the medical field, offering unprecedented opportunities for enhanced patient care, diagnosis, and treatment. From accelerating the analysis of medical imagery to predicting disease outcomes with unparalleled accuracy, AI-powered technologies have swiftly established themselves as indispensable tools for healthcare professionals. Beyond diagnostics, AI has played a pivotal role in drug discovery, streamlining clinical trials, and personalizing patient interventions. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to transform healthcare systems globally is becoming increasingly evident, promising not only improved medical outcomes but also cost-effective solutions and optimized resource allocation. The fusion of AI’s computational prowess with medical expertise heralds a new era of medical advancements that hold the potential to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, save lives, and redefine the standards of patient well-being.
In the United States alone, it is estimated that around40 million mammograms were performed each year. Mammograms are crucial as they are the primary method for early detection of breast cancer, enabling timely intervention and improving survival rates. By detecting small abnormalities and tumors that may not be palpable, mammograms help identify potential breast cancer cases in their earliest stages, allowing for more effective and less invasive treatment options.
Radiologists often find themselves overwhelmed due to the increasing volume of medical images requiring analysis, coupled with ashortage of radiology specialists. The demand for accurate and timely diagnoses, especially in fields like mammography, can lead to extended work hours and heightened stress levels among radiologists. Introducing AI technologies can alleviate this burden by assisting in image analysis, enabling radiologists to focus on complex cases and ensuring more efficient patient care.
How AI Helps in Mammography
A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) may outperform trained doctors in detecting breast cancer from mammogram images. Mammograms face challenges due to factors like breast density, leading to missed cancer cases. The study analyzed 80,000 mammograms from Swedish women, finding that AI-assisted readings detected 20% more cancers compared to human radiologists. While not a standalone solution, AI could alleviate doctors’ workloads, enhancing accuracy without increasing false negatives. Despite FDA-approved AI technologies, integration with conventional methods is likely, aiding radiologists in managing a growing workload. The balance between AI and human expertise remains essential, ensuring optimal patient care and early cancer detection.
Healthcare experts, including the NHS and the Royal College of Radiologists, acknowledgeAI’s promise in enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and prioritizing critical cases.
Vesta Teleradiology
AI applied to diagnostic imaging holds the potential to significantly enhance the level of patient care. We eagerly anticipate further progress in this field. However, we maintain the viewpoint that presently, no machine can effectively substitute for the expertise of a skilled human observer for interpretations. At Vesta, we offer the services of radiologists who are US Board Certified, dedicated to delivering precise preliminary and final analyses. Discover how we can bolster your radiology department by reaching out to us today.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued awarning to consumers on July 17 about avoiding the use of ultrasound devices from a Texas-based manufacturer and distributor called RoyalVibe Health.
The company sells direct-to-consumer ultrasound scanners, marketing them to be used for various medical purposes, including diagnosing and treating serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, and depression. However, the FDA has not reviewed these devices, and theylack the necessary 510(k) clearance or premarket approval.
What is 510(k) Clearance?
The 510(k) clearance is a regulatory pathway used by the U.S. FDA to evaluate and approve medical devices. If a new medical device is deemed substantially equivalent to a legally marketed device (known as a “predicate device”), the manufacturer can submit a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA. The FDA reviews the submission to ensure the new device shares the same intended use and technology as the predicate device. If approved, the new device receives 510(k) clearance, allowing it to be marketed in the U.S. The 510(k) process is commonly used for moderate-risk medical devices and relies on the safety record of similar, already-approved devices to expedite approvals while ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to target specific tissues in the body. During the procedure, a handheld device emits these sound waves, which penetrate the skin and cause vibrations at a cellular level. This treatment process is believed to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and promote tissue healing.Ultrasound therapy is commonly used by physical therapists to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue mobility in conditions like muscle strains, joint injuries, and certain musculoskeletal disorders. It is a safe and effective treatment that can provide relief and aid in the recovery process for various injuries and conditions.
Open Communication with Patients
Unfortunately, some consumers find products on the market that they can purchase directly in hopes to use for at-home self-care. Please advise your patients to be wary of these types of devices, including the products the FDA has not approved such as RoyalVibe Health. Patient education can go a very long way, so it is important to address their questions about their health, pain and concerns and emphasize that treatment should be administered by their healthcare provider.
Burnout in the medical setting refers to a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion experienced by healthcare professionals. It arises from chronic and excessive stress caused by demanding work environments, long hours, high patient loads, and the emotional toll of dealing with patient suffering. Symptoms of burnout include feelings of cynicism, detachment from work, reduced sense of accomplishment, and a decline in professional performance. Burnout not only impacts the well-being of medical practitioners but can also compromise patient care and safety. It also impacts staffing at all levels in healthcare, from nurses to executives.
What’s Going on Now?
Healthcare employees nationwide have initiated strikes in their efforts to secure better pay and improved staffing conditions in their employment agreements. Additionally, resident physicians are becoming increasingly engaged in labor organizing.
A doctor experiences burnout
According to experts, these labor trends will present ongoing challenges to health systems as facilities strive to return to pre-pandemic operations while trying to control the labor costs that escalated last year. The sector is expected to face persistent staffing shortages, particularly among nurses, due to widespread burnout and increased turnover. As a result, healthcare facilities continue to rely on expensive contract labor to fill the gaps in their workforce, even as the rates of severe COVID-19 hospitalizations decline.
Recent data published in the European Journal of Radiology presents the experiences of breast radiologists with burnout during various stages of the COVID pandemic. Surprisingly, the study reveals that, at the height of COVID, many radiologists reported improvements in five out of six common stressors, such as work pace, work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities, and financial strain. However, this relief was short-lived, as patient capacity increased again, leading to a surge in workload, backlogs of studies, and a slight increase in burnout levels compared to before the pandemic.
Addressing Staffing Shortages and Burnout
Addressing burnout is crucial to maintain a healthy healthcare workforce and ensure the delivery of high-quality medical services. Strategies like promotingwork-life balance, providing support and resources for stress management, and fostering a positive and supportive work culture are essential to mitigate and prevent burnout in the medical field.
Vesta Teleradiology is your reliable solution for all your healthcare facility’s radiology requirements, whether you require full-time support or coverage during nights and weekends. With over 16 years of dedicated service to diagnostic imaging centers, physician’s offices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, we are here to assist you. Get in touch with us today for a quick quote at 1-877-55-VESTA.
Vesta is a highly rated teleradiology service provider.
Medical science makes incredible strides every year, finding new ways to heal the sick and injured. One of the most exciting of these new frontiers isultrasound technology.
With its ability to safely and painlessly penetrate the human body, scientists and doctors are discovering new possibilities in diagnosing and treating conditions that previously required more invasive procedures.
Ultrasound in Cancer Treatment
In cancer treatment, chemotherapy often comes with various unpleasant side effects. But new research has shown that ultrasound technology canenhance chemotherapyeffectiveness, sometimes even reducing the dosage of the drugs required.
Ultrasound can also help increase the uptake of cancer drugs into tumors, making their delivery more targeted and efficient.
Ultrasound and Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s diseaseis one of the most heartbreaking conditions facing our aging population, and while there is no cure for it, there is hope for better treatment.
Recent research has discovered the possibility of using ultrasound to break up the plaques that form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, reducing the inflammation and damage that cause the disease. Research in this field is still in its early stages, but the possibility of a breakthrough treatment in the years to come is an exciting prospect.
Ultrasound Diagnostics
Of course, one of the primary uses ofultrasound in medicine is as a diagnostic tool. However, new studies are refining and expanding the possibilities of what ultrasound can detect.
For example, technicians now use ultrasound to locate anddiagnose skin cancersand traditionalmammographyfor breast cancer screening. Ultrasound also offers a non-invasive way to examine the heart and blood vessels in incredible detail, giving doctors a better understanding of the mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.
Ultrasound and Pain Management
In addition to being an incredible diagnostic tool, patients can use ultrasound tomanage pain.
Ultrasound-guided nerve block injections can relieve patients suffering from chronic pain without the side effects of prolonged medication use. Studies are ongoing to refine this technique and expand its benefits beyond chronic pain.
Other Applications of Ultrasound
The research and innovation happening in ultrasound are constantly expanding their possibilities.
For example, researchers are exploring ultrasound technology to treatkidney stones, sometimes allowing for less invasive procedures than traditional surgery.
The possibilities of ultrasound technology seem almost limitless, with new studies constantly uncovering ways to use this powerful tool for medical treatment and research.
From cancer treatment to pain management, diagnostics to disease prevention, ultrasound is a field that promises to revolutionize the face of medicine in the years to come. We can only look forward with enthusiasm and hope for what discoveries may come on this exciting frontier.
Teleradiology in Conjunction with Ultrasound
When you think about the role a teleradiology company like Vesta plays with healthcare providers, you might envision that the radiologists deal only with x-rays and MRI scans. We also work closely with hospitals for ultrasound readings, too. If you’re seeking an extra hand for preliminary and final ultrasound interpretations, please reach out to us today. We can handle any volume, large or small.
Americans, and everyone all over the world, depend on proper medical care. From dental checkups to urgent care visits, medical professionals are absolutely essential, especially when it comes to massive emergencies. If we didn’t learn this fact yet, the pandemic certainly brought it into focus. In 2020, hospitals and medical buildings surged with COVID patients, overloading facilities and professionals alike. Now, with labor shortages, and unfair compensation, nurses and medical staff are going on strike to re-negotiate contracts to make their workplaces a fairer place to be.
Healthcare Strikes Going on Now
Beginning in January of this year, over 7,000 medical professionals went on strike in New York City, saysVox. The strikes involve Mt. Sinai Hospital, and three other facilities, located in the Bronx, owned by Montefiore. Recent contract negotiations failed to provide health care workers with more staff, as well as desired salary compensation, says the article. Over 700 positions are open within the Montefiore facilities, and nurses and medical staff feel overburdened and undervalued. As explained by Vox, when billable hours and revenue collection are limited to doctors who prescribe surgeries and medicine, nurses and other medical staff are a complete cost to the hospital. Even though these professionals are essential to properly run any medical facility, investing in nursing staff becomes a problem when the American structure is a pay-for-treatment transaction in healthcare systems that are for profit.
Last month, on February 27, another strike took place on Long Island with about 800 nurses, saysCBS News. At Northwell Health’s South Shore University Hospital, nurses are demanding “safe staffing and fair wage,” says the article. 99% of the nurses voted to authorize the strike.
It isn’t just the United States that’s involved with strikes. Across the pond, in the UK, nurses are also having a difficult time negotiating what they need in their contracts, says IN News. For the first time in Royal College of Nursing history, medical staff, which spanned over 100 services, held England’s largest nursing strike on March 1 of this year. In the 48-hour strike, staff from emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care, and other services were involved, says the article. Compensation, workload, and workplace conditions are the terms UK nurses are fighting for. Since 2010, nurses’ compensation has fallen 8%, says the article.
Both in the US and UK, nurses have made it clear that they do not want to strike, leaving vulnerable patients in a bind, saysUSA Today, and IN News. “Bosses have pushed us to strike by refusing to seriously consider our proposals to address the desperate crisis of unsafe staffing that harms our patients,” said a union representative from The Nurses Association to USA Today.
Re-negotiated contracts and tentative agreements were reached in New York, some involving a raise of 5-7% over the next three years for nursing staff, as well as staffing increases, says Today. Negotiations in the UK came to an agreement on March 16, with more than 1 million NHS staff receiving a raise, saysgov.uk.
Shortage in Radiologists
It’s not just nurses that are in shortage, but alsothose in the radiology field as well.Luckily, partnering with ateleradiology company like Vesta allows you to fill in those gaps you have—whether you’re short-staffed for weekend work or simply need reliable interpretations around the clock. Vesta also offers top-to-bottom healthcare staffing from its sister company,Momentum Healthcare Staffing for positions such as locums tenens and permanent nurse practitioners, physicians, medical assistants and more.
Being told that you need diagnostic imaging can be scary. Healthcare professionals deal with diagnostic imaging every day, so they may become immune to the concerns of patients.
Still, amidst patients’ fear of diagnostic imaging, healthcare professionals can set their minds at ease.
The main thing to remember is to simply treat your patients like humans. Slow down, treat them with kindness, and really listen to their concerns. Doing these simple things can go a long way in setting your patients’ minds at ease.
What Concerns Do Patients Have About Diagnostic Imaging?
One of the most common concerns amongst patients is the claustrophobia caused by MRI machines. Dealing with the tight space of an MRI machine can be very stressful for patients dealing with claustrophobia and anxiety.
Regarding X-rays, patients are often concerned about their radiation exposure. Theyfear that the imaging may put them at increased risk for cancer.
Treat Your Patient Like a Person
One of the most common complaints from patients is that they don’t feel like the person working with them is treating them with care and understanding.
Address the patients concerns
Smile and say hello when you first enter the room. Something as small as a smile can instantly put a person’s mind at ease, especially in a clinical setting that is scary for many patients.
Always refer to the patient by their name. Never refer to them as “the patient” while they are in earshot. Doing so sounds cold, while using their name makes the interaction feel more personal.
Maintain eye contact with your patient. Don’t look at their chart so much that you forget to make them feel like they’re being heard. Eye contact can make them less anxious, especially if they’ve been waiting a long time or have specific fears.
Make sure you sit — standing over a seated patient can be intimidating.
Listen & Understand
Health Management emphasizes how important it is to listen to your patient and ask questions. Let them explain what is going on before you begin to speak. Don’t interrupt them. If they have something to add while you’re talking, allow them to interject and listen to what they say.
Giving your patient space to speak can clarify any confusion on both parts.
After they have finished, reiterate what they’ve said to ensure you understand their concerns. Doing so shows the patient that you are interested in helping them and have respect for their situation. It also ensures that both the patient and healthcare provider are on the same page with treatment going forward.
Also, remember to slow down. Many patients feel that healthcare providers are in a rush, that they’re wasting their time, and that the provider would rather be elsewhere. Patients deserve to feel that their time is valued. Slowing down also helps patients to feel like they are heard and understood.
Watch Your Tone
Patients often come to healthcare providers with sensitive information that can make them feel vulnerable. Health Management encourages professionals to speak to patients with a warm, calm tone of voice. It can do a lot to set their mind at ease. Speaking more slowly can do the same.
Educate Your Patients
Lawrence T. Dauer et al. say professionals should educate their patients. They should know exactly what’s happening during the imaging and what effects the imaging may have on their bodies.
For example, many patients fear how much radiation they’re getting. Explain that they are receiving very little radiation exposure.
Don’t lie to them. Professionals know that repeated exposure, a person’s age, and other factors may increase risk. Patients deserve to know that, but you can set their minds at ease by explaining their risks.
Patients should always have informed consent. They should know precisely what they’re going into and be okay with it. Consent is not just about getting the patient to sign a form. It ensures they are adequately educated about their procedure and entirely on board.
Be Clear
As a healthcare professional, you know a lot of medical and technical jargon that the patient likely does not. Speak straightforwardly, using familiar words. It is crucial that the patient understands what is going on with their treatment.
At the same time, Health Management warns you to be careful not to come across as patronizing. Although patients may not know medical jargon, it doesn’t mean they’re stupid.
Reducing MRI Claustrophobia Concerns
The University of Virginia says the main reason patients are fearful of MRI machines is because they lack understanding of them. Many professionals can ease patients’ minds by informing them that MRI machines are well-lit and open at both ends. They are not closed off and dark, as many patients fear.
Understand some people may have claustrophobia
Professionals can teach their patients easy breathing and meditation techniques to help keep them calm during the procedure. Another option is to tell them to count to keep their minds busy or to go to their “happy place.”
Provide them with a towel or washcloth they can drape over their eyes so they can’t see what’s going on.
Provide patients with headphones and allow them to listen to their music of choice.
Talk to your patients — about anything — get their minds off the procedure.
Conclusion
Diagnostic imaging can be scary for patients, especially those dealing with anxiety. Medical professionals are critical in setting a patient’s mind at ease, and it’s not hard to do.
Slow down, treat your patients with kindness and respect, and ensure they are properly informed. These simple things can help calm your patients and help you build a lasting professional relationship.
Social media is an ever-changing landscape, but it remains one of the best ways for healthcare facilities toreach and engage with current and potential patients. If you’re a healthcare facility looking to get started on social media, here are a few tips to help.
Listen First, Talk Later
Before creating content or engaging with people on social media,listening and observing what’s already happening in your industry is essential. Read up on trending topics, follow influencers, and join conversations relevant to your healthcare facility—this will give you a better understanding of what kinds of content resonates with your target audience.
Once you understand the conversation, you can create content or join existing discussions.
How are you connecting with patients online?
Spread Awareness of Services
Content doesn’t have to be hard to produce. Does your facility offermammograms or otherdiagnostic imaging services? What type of special treatments do you offer patients? Let it be known through your posts! Whether you make a short informative Instagram Reel or a simple graphic, it’s ever crucial to make sure people know what you offer.
Build Relationships
Social media is all about building relationships, so pay attention to how you interact with others online.
Share behind-the-scenes photos and videos from your day-to-day operations; this helps build trust by showing that real people work hard at your facility daily. It also allows patients who may not have visited before to get familiarized with the space beforehand, making them more comfortable when they arrive for their appointment or procedure.
Monitor Your Reputation
As a healthcare facility on social media, you mustmonitor what’s being saidabout you online – positive and negative.
Be sure toset up alerts for your company name as well as any hashtags associated with it to allow you to keep tabs on mentions of your brand.
If anything negative is posted about you online (such as negative reviews), you can address it quickly before the situation escalates. When a person posts a positive comment, be sure you “like” them, or comment back, so your followers know you respected their opinion.
A respectful response to a negative review about a rude employee at a hospital might be:
“At our hospital, all our staff members strive to ensure the highest level of quality care and customer satisfaction possible. Unfortunately, it’s not always achieved as intended due to human error and environmental stressors.”
Or
“We recognize that patient care starts with respectful communication and interactions between patients and healthcare providers. To improve communication throughout the institution, we are investing in additional staffing resources so that nurses and other team members feel better supported when high volumes present themselves on certain days or times during their shifts.”
Measure Results
Lastly, measure the results of your social media efforts usinganalytics tools.
Using these tools will allow you to track how many people are visiting your page (and how often), see where they came from (e.g., organic search vs. referral traffic), and track engagement over time (likes/comments/shares). This information will help inform future decisions about what kind of content works best for engaging with patients online.
Bymeasuring results regularly, you can continually refine and improve your strategy over time, so it eventually becomes second nature.
Social media can provide significant benefits for healthcare facilities looking to connect more deeply with current & potential patients—but only if done correctly.
Following these tips will ensure your presence on social media is practical & compliant with relevant regulations & guidelines set forth by governing bodies.
Take some time today & begin implementing these tips into practice right away. Your healthcare facility’s social pages will become vibrant hubs of conversation & connect with the community.
So many aspects of our lives have changed since the outbreak ofCOVID19; shopping, working, education, entertainment, and our everyday lives look pretty different, even from a few years ago. The pandemic has also impacted our health and the way we approach medicine. Advancements in technology are moving quickly in medicine. Telehealth and remote medical services are becoming more mainstream, however, convincing patients to get health screenings, particularly for cancer, has become a challenge. It’s important, now more than ever, to keep up good health practices and let patients know they shouldn’t delay getting screened.
Timely screenings are incredibly important, says Imaging Technology News. Since the pandemic began there have been massive delays that have continued into 2023. Many facilities closed temporarily during the lockdown and many other facilities had severestaff shortages, saysNational Cancer Institute. When facilities did open back up, people were fearful of going to hospitals and other places where COVID might be prevalent, says the article.
The COVID pandemic has caused many to delay important screenings
According to a survey between June and November of 2020, 11% to 36% of the 7,115 participants delayed their screening. The screenings ranged from mammograms, stool blood tests, pap smears, colonoscopies, and HPV tests. In another study done byTulane University, screening rates decreased to nearly zero in 2020 of the 45,000 women enrolled in Medicaid in Louisiana. Should this trend continue, it’s predicted that later-stage cancer diagnosis will be significant, says Imaging Technology News.
How Can Medical Facilities Encourage Patients to Get Vital Screenings?
What medical professionals can do is encourage their patients as much as possible to get screened. This may be tricky, with COVID still lingering around the country. Appealing to patients’ health, and letting them know that a screening can save their life can be the most effective, says Imaging Technology News, as well as encouraging patients through evidence-based interventions, says the National Cancer Institute.
Cancer prevention begins with screening
When cost is a barrier, says the article, there are options. Through the Affordable Care Act there are affordable cancer screening tests available as well as low-cost screening options for those without insurance or physician referrals. Medical professionals and facilities may also consider expanding the locations and access to screenings through mobile screening programs, says the article. Many of those in low-income areas who do not have transportation to access screenings can take advantage of mobile programs, says the American College of Surgeons.
For people who aren’t visiting doctors or medical facilities, making the general public aware of how importantscreenings are can help, says the National Cancer Institute. Social media, campaigns, and patient education are a few ways to reach everyone. In a multipronged approach, some hospitals educated virtually through community focus groups, asking specific questions as to why the people in the area weren’t getting screened, said the article. Hospital staff also worked with parish nurses to encourage and educate congregations on screening. In addition, some hospitals encouraged their own staff to be screened.
In our strange, new world, amidst COVID, staff shortages, and so much fear, we still must take care of ourselves and encourage others to do so. As healthcare professionals, we have the power to empower others to take charge of their own health.
Combating Radiologist Shortages
If your hospital, emergency room, or private practice is struggling with radiologist shortages, partnering with a teleradiology company like Vesta can help.
Our US Board Certified radiologists offer night, weekend, and holiday coverage to fill those gaps. Ask us about our seamless integrations:contact us now to learn more.
Medical imaging is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating medical conditions; however, it can also expose patients to excess radiation levels. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have resulted in the development of new ways to reduce radiation exposure during imaging.
Here are a few ways these advancements are helping patients receive the care they need while reducing their radiation exposure.
New Guidelines
Clinicians have always used guidelines for the use of CT scans. Still, they recently developednew guidelines for the benefit of CT scans on the head, neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis areas of the body–especially in pediatric practice.
New guidelines for CT scans
Clinicians canreduce or eliminate the need for CT scans if the child is awake and alert, if the blood work is normal, and if the patient is not experiencing abdominal pain.
A study of 146 childrennot exposed to the excess CT scan radiation using the new guidelines showed no clinically significant missed injuries.
Smart Software
One of the most significant advancements in this area is usingsmart softwareto reduce radiation dose in computerized tomography (CT) scans. This software analyzes patient size, age, and other factors to determine the dosage necessary for an accurate scan that minimizes radiation exposure. In some cases,reducing radiation doses by up to 90 percenthas been possible without any decrease in diagnostic accuracy.
Lower Radiation Levels in the New CT Machines
In addition to using innovative software to reduce doses, researchers are also looking at new technologies, such aslow-dose CT machines, that can achieve similar results without any additional processing needed.
Technicians have designed these machines with unique components thatlimit X-ray emissionswhile still providing high-quality imaging. As a result, patients can receive the same level of care without worrying about unnecessary radiation exposure.
Reducing Radiation Exposure with Ultrasound
Finally,reducing radiation exposure through ultrasound technology is more progressive. For clinicians using sound waves instead of X-rays or other forms of energy, ultrasound technology can provide doctors with highly detailed imaging with no risk of exposing patients to dangerous radiation levels.
Ultrasound is an ideal option for pregnant women and children who may be more sensitive to the effects of radiation than adults.
An ultrasound tech consults a patient
Recent advancements have made it easier for medical professionals to provide high-quality care while minimizing their patients’ exposure to harmful radiation.
With the medical profession redefining the guidelines, using low-dose scans, better x-ray machinery, and more ultrasounds, many options are now available for reducing radiation exposures during imaging procedures—all without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy or quality care.
That’s great news for anyone who needs an imaging scan but wants to ensure they’re taking steps to protect their health andsafety!
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