Un-necessary Radiation of patients in the diagnostic process
An interesting study from Israel published in the Journal, 'Archives of Internal Medicine', reveals something we have always suspected: Many of the ultrasound and CT scans done in Emergency Room helped in the diagnostic process only in one of three cases - roughly - but added to Hospital bills.
Patients' history, physical exams, basic tests united to excellent clinical skills of physicians resulted the most important factors in making correct diagnoses. For the patients who also had CT scans, the doctors reported that the results helped in making a diagnosis only in one-third of the times.
Taking also into account that Research has shown that multiple CT scans might increase the risk of cancer development over the long run, perhaps it's better trying to recover the Art & Science of communication with Patients and rationalize the use of High-Technology in the diagnostic process. Not only our Hospital bills but also Patients' health will benefit greatly
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