So You've Decided to have a CT...

Funny isn't it how things come back to haunt us? For years now those in the know have worried over the effects of the countless radiologic imaging procedures done everyday with little thought given to the radiation exposure.

Now after years of patients being exposed to this risk, reports are starting to come forth warning of the possible effects of radiation.

This is an article from Medscape that also cites the 7th National Academy of Science report on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (BEIR VII), the official US standard on the effects of radiation. Basically giving a 1 in 1000 chance of getting cancer from a single CT scan. Don't believe me? Read it for yourself, then check out this report from BEIR from June 2005. Page 3 first paragraph...

Now, don't get me wrong. There are plenty of good reasons to have a CT (Computed Tomography or CAT Scan all the same thing). The problem is that we have replaced the practice of medicine with the ordering of diagnostic tests. Many will remember the days when you went to the doctor's office and they actually put their hands on you and examined you to make a diagnosis. Now you are more likely to see a Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practitioner (PA or PA-C for physician's assistants and NP for nurse practitioner if you were ever wondering what those initials after the names meant) who will just order tests.

Another issue that few are willing to openly discus is the fact that CT makes far more money for a facility than does routine general X-rays. The cost of a CT approaches or surpasses the $1000 mark depending on the exam (a CT of your head may cost around $500, while a CT of your abdomen can cost over $1200) while a simple chest x-ray costs around $100 (and hasn't risen all that much in the last 10 years either).

So in short, next time your doctor (or PA or NP) wants to order a test on you, ask about it. Chances are they are not as aware of the health risks as they should be.