As part of Patient Safety Awareness Week, the American College of Radiology (ACR) reminds patients that everyone should understand radiology benefits and risks before they or a loved one receives an X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan or other medical imaging exam.
Before undergoing a scan, patients should ask their physician:
• Why do I need this exam?
• How will having this exam improve my health care?
• Are there alternatives that do not use radiation which are equally as good?
• Is this facility accredited in imaging? Find out at www.acr.org/facility-search.
• Is my child receiving a "kid-sized" radiation dose? (for pediatric exams)
The ACR urges patients to keep a record of their medical imaging history to present to health care providers that they may see in the future. This can help providers make more informed decisions and help patients avoid any unnecessary scans moving forward.
Download a free patient medical imaging record card at www.imagewisely.org/Patients.aspx.
Patients are encouraged to watch this video on safe medical imaging: https://youtu.be/wNmwDsWuo_g.
Visit www.radiologyinfo.org for adult radiation safety information.
Visit www.imagegently.org for pediatric radiation safety information.
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